Nicanor (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nicanor (1) in the Bible?
Nikanor served as a general for Antiochus IV Epiphanes and later for Demetrius I Soter, leading Seleucid forces against the Jewish rebels during the Maccabean Revolt. He was defeated by Judas Maccabeus at the Battle of Adasa, where he was killed.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nikanor's role clarifies the political and military tensions described in 1 and 2 Maccabees, specifically regarding the Seleucid attempts to suppress Jewish autonomy and the origins of the festival of Hanukkah, which commemorates the defeat of his forces.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nicanor (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nicanor (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nicanor (1) clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Nicanor (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nicanor-1/