Hircanus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Hircanus in the Bible?
John Hyrcanus I (also spelled Hirkanus) was a Hasmonean king who ruled Judea from 135 to 104 BCE. He was a priest and a military leader who expanded the kingdom's borders.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Hyrcanus clarifies the transition of Judean leadership from the Maccabean revolt to a hereditary Hasmonean dynasty, illustrating the consolidation of political and religious authority that shaped the landscape of the Second Temple period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Hircanus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hircanus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hircanus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hircanus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hircanus/