Toparchy
LocationsGeographical Setting
A toparchy was a secondary administrative district within the Hasmonean and early Roman provinces of Judea, governed by a toparch.
What is the meaning of Toparchy in the Bible?
A toparchy functioned as a local administrative unit in ancient Judea, typically overseen by a toparch, with historical records noting the detachment of three such districts from Samaria to expand Judean territory.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the toparchy clarifies the political and territorial divisions described in the New Testament, particularly regarding the jurisdictional boundaries between Judea and Samaria during the first century.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Toparchy in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Toparchy 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.