Ptolemy
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ptolemy in the Bible?
The Ptolemies were a dynasty of Macedonian Greek kings who ruled Egypt from 305 BC until the Roman annexation in 30 BC, beginning with Ptolemy I Soter and including notable rulers such as Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Ptolemy III Euergetes.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Ptolemaic dynasty provides essential historical context for the political and cultural environment of the Eastern Mediterranean during the intertestamental period and the early Roman era, illuminating the backdrop against which the New Testament events unfolded.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ptolemy reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ptolemy in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ptolemy 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
"Ptolemy." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ptolemy/