Maccabaeus; Maccabees
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Maccabaeus; Maccabees in the Bible?
The Maccabees were a Jewish priestly family and their followers who led a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE, culminating in the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Maccabees clarifies the historical context of the Books of Maccabees and explains the origin of the Hanukkah festival described in Jewish tradition.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Maccabaeus; Maccabees reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Maccabaeus; Maccabees in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Maccabaeus; Maccabees 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
"Maccabaeus; Maccabees." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/maccabaeus-maccabees/