Phylarches
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Phylarches in the Bible?
Phylarches was a Jewish leader appointed by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes to govern Judea during the Maccabean revolt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Phylarches clarifies the internal political divisions within Judea, illustrating how some Jewish leaders collaborated with the Seleucid empire against their own people, which provides context for the religious and political conflicts described in the Books of Maccabees.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Phylarches reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Phylarches in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phylarches 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
"Phylarches." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/phylarches/