Philometor
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Philometor in the Bible?
Ptolemy VI Philometor was a king of Egypt who reigned from 180 to 145 BC and is noted for his military interventions in Judea, particularly his support of the high priest Onias III and his subsequent conflict with his brother Ptolemy VIII Physcon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ptolemy VI Philometor clarifies the geopolitical pressures faced by Judean leaders during the Maccabean revolt, illustrating how external Hellenistic powers influenced internal religious and political struggles described in historical biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Philometor reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Philometor in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Philometor 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
"Philometor." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/philometor/