Onias
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Onias in the Bible?
The name Onias designates several figures in Second Temple Judaism, most notably Onias III, the High Priest deposed by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and his son Onias IV, who established a rival temple at Leontopolis in Egypt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Onias family clarifies the political and religious fractures within Judaism during the Maccabean era, explaining the existence of alternative worship centers and the intense internal conflicts referenced in historical books of the Bible.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Onias reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Onias in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Onias 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
"Onias." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/onias/