Tanis
LocationsGeographical Setting
Tanis was the capital of the 21st and 22nd dynasties of Egypt, located in the eastern Nile Delta.
What is the meaning of Tanis in the Bible?
Tanis, identified with the archaeological site of San el-Hagar, served as the political capital of Egypt during the Third Intermediate Period and is referenced in the Book of Judith as a strategic military location in the Nile Delta.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Tanis with the biblical Zoan clarifies the geographical setting of the Book of Judith, demonstrating that the narrative utilizes real Egyptian power centers to establish the historical plausibility of the Assyrian threat.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Tanis in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tanis clarify?
Related Topics
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.