Ituraea
LocationsGeographical Setting
Ituraea was a Hellenistic and Roman client kingdom situated in the mountainous regions north and east of the Sea of Galilee, centered around the Anti-Lebanon range.
What is the meaning of Ituraea in the Bible?
Ituraea denotes a geopolitical entity in the northern Levant, inhabited by the Itureans, a semi-nomadic Arab tribe known for their martial prowess. The region's boundaries fluctuated during the late Second Temple period, generally encompassing the slopes of Mount Hermon and extending into the Hauran plateau, before being incorporated into the Roman province of Syria.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Ituraea clarifies the geographical scope of John the Baptist's ministry, indicating that his influence extended beyond Judea and Galilee into the northern frontier regions, thereby emphasizing the universal reach of his message to diverse ethnic and political groups.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.