Menestheus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Menestheus in the Bible?
Menestheus was the father of Apollonius, a general serving Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and is identified in 2 Maccabees as the parent of one of several individuals named Apollonius.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Menestheus as the father of Apollonius clarifies the familial ties of key military figures in the Maccabean narrative, providing essential context for understanding the political and military conflicts described in the deuterocanonical books.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Menestheus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Menestheus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Menestheus 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
"Menestheus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/menestheus/