Orthosia
LocationsGeographical Setting
Orthosia was a Hellenistic-era settlement in the region of Coele-Syria, situated between the Eleutherus River and Tripolis.
What is the meaning of Orthosia in the Bible?
Orthosia was a city where the Seleucid general Tryphon sought refuge after escaping from Dora, located geographically south of the Eleutherus River and north of Tripolis.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Orthosia helps clarify the military movements and territorial control dynamics described in 1 Maccabees, providing geographical context for the conflicts between Seleucid forces and Jewish rebels.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Orthosia (located near modern Likely near modern-day Tripoli, Lebanon, though the exact site remains unidentified) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Orthosia in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Orthosia 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
"Orthosia." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/orthosia/