Iscariot
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Iscariot in the Bible?
Iscariot is a surname attached to Judas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, and is most commonly understood as a contraction of the Hebrew phrase 'Ish Kerioth,' meaning 'man from Kerioth.'
SIGNIFICANCE
This designation helps readers distinguish this specific Judas from other figures with the same name in the New Testament and points to a likely origin in the southern region of Judea, adding geographical context to his identity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Iscariot reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Iscariot in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Iscariot 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
"Iscariot." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/iscariot/