Lysanias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Lysanias in the Bible?
Lysanias was a tetrarch of Abilene mentioned in Luke 3:1, and possibly a descendant of another Lysanias who ruled over Chalcis and Abilene. He is believed to have lived during the reign of Tiberius Caesar.
SIGNIFICANCE
The mention of Lysanias provides important historical context for the date of John the Baptist's preaching in the wilderness.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Lysanias reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Lysanias in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lysanias clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Luke 3:1
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
"Lysanias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lysanias/