Nicanor (2)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nicanor (2) in the Bible?
Nicanor was a Seleucid general who served under Antiochus V Eupator and later Demetrius I Soter, leading military forces against the Jewish rebels during the Maccabean Revolt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nicanor's military campaigns and his eventual defeat at the Battle of Adasa provides historical context for the events described in 1 Maccabees, illustrating the political and military tensions that led to the establishment of the festival of Hanukkah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nicanor (2) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nicanor (2) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nicanor (2) 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
"Nicanor (2)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nicanor-2/