Bible Dictionary
Antiochus
Antiochus was the name of several Syrian kings during the period between the Testaments. Antiochus IV Epiphanes is especially notable for persecuting the Jews, desecrating the temple, and provoking the Maccabean revolt.
Definition
Antiochus was the name of several Syrian kings who ruled during the period between the Old and New Testaments. The most notable in the supplied material are Antiochus the Great and Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Biblical Usage
Daniel’s prophecies are applied to Antiochus the Great, Seleucus Philopater, and especially Antiochus IV, whose actions are described in Daniel’s account of the “vile person” and the king of the north.
Historical Background
Antiochus IV succeeded his brother in 175 B.C., attacked Jerusalem, killed many inhabitants, and provoked the Jewish war of independence under the Maccabean leaders. He died suddenly in 164 B.C. The name also appears in the Maccabean books and in connection with other persons.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The name of several Syrian kings from B.C. 280 to B.C. 65. The most notable of these were, (1.) Antiochus the Great, who ascended the throne B.C. 223. He is regarded as the “king of the north” referred to in Dan. 11:13-19. He was succeeded (B.C. 187) by his son, Seleucus Philopater, spoken of by Daniel (11:20) as “a raiser of taxes”, in the Revised Version, “one that shall cause an exactor to pass through the glory of the kingdom.” (2.) Antiochus IV., surnamed “Epiphanes” i.e., the Illustrious, succeeded his brother Seleucus (B.C. 175). His career and character are prophetically described by Daniel (11:21-32). He was a “vile person.” In a spirit of revenge he organized an expedition against Jerusalem, which he destroyed, putting vast multitudes of its inhabitants to death in the most cruel manner. From this time the Jews began the great war of independence under their heroic Maccabean leaders with marked success, defeating the armies of Antiochus that were sent against them. Enraged at this, Antiochus marched against them in person, threatening utterly to exterminate the nation; but on the way he was suddenly arrested by the hand of death (B.C. 164).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(an opponent), the name of a number of kings of Syria who lived during the interval between the Old and New Testaments, and had frequent connection with the Jews during that period. They are referred to in the Apocrypha especially in the books of the Maccabees.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>an-ti'-o-kus (Antiochos; A, Antimachos (1 Macc 12:16)): The father of Numenius, who in company with Antipater, son of Jason, was sent by Jonathan on an embassy to the Romans and Spartans to renew "the friendship" and "former confederacy" made by Judas (1 Macc 12:16; 14:22; Ant, XIII, vi; 8).</p>