Perseus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Perseus in the Bible?
Perseus was the last king of Macedonia who ascended to the throne in 179 BC and was defeated by the Roman Republic at the Battle of Pydna in 168 BC, resulting in his capture and subsequent death in captivity.
SIGNIFICANCE
The reference to Perseus in 1 Maccabees 8:5 contextualizes the political landscape of the Hellenistic world, illustrating how the Roman conquest of Macedonia shifted the balance of power and influenced Jewish diplomatic relations with emerging superpowers.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Perseus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Perseus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Perseus 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
"Perseus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/perseus/