Posidonius
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Posidonius in the Bible?
Posidonius served as one of three envoys dispatched by the Seleucid general Nicanor to negotiate with the Maccabean leader Judas Maccabeus during the conflict in Judea in 161 BC, an event recorded in 2 Maccabees 14:19.
SIGNIFICANCE
This account provides historical context for the diplomatic tensions between the Seleucid administration and the Jewish resistance, illustrating the complex political negotiations that occurred alongside military actions during the Maccabean revolt.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Posidonius reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Posidonius in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Posidonius 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
"Posidonius." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/posidonius/