Samaritans
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Samaritans in the Bible?
The Samaritans are an ethno-religious group descended from the ancient Israelite population of the Kingdom of Israel, who maintained a distinct religious tradition centered on the Torah and worship at Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Samaritans clarifies the historical context of the northern tribes' exile and the subsequent development of Jewish identity, while their interactions with Jesus in the New Testament illustrate the deep social and religious divisions within first-century Judea.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Samaritans reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Samaritans in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Samaritans 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
"Samaritans." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/samaritans/