Pharathon
LocationsGeographical Setting
Pharathon was a fortified settlement in Judea referenced in the Maccabean period.
What is the meaning of Pharathon in the Bible?
Pharathon is a fortified city in Judea mentioned in 1 Maccabees 9:50, where it was strengthened by the Seleucid general Bacchides during the Maccabean conflict. The name derives from the Hebrew term pir'athon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Pharathon provides geographical context for the military campaigns of Bacchides, illustrating the strategic importance of fortified urban centers in the political and military struggles of the Maccabean era.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Pharathon 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 Pharathon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Pharathon 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
"Pharathon." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/pharathon/