Biblical Kingdom Ruler
Aretas IV Philopatris
Photograph by Classical Numismatic Group (CNG), Inc.; www.cngcoins.com
CC BY-SA 3.0
Ruler at a Glance
Kingdom
Nabataea
Ruler Type
King of Nabataea
Reign
9 BC–AD 40
Regnal Name
Aretas IV
Alternate Names
Aretas IV; Haretat IV; Aretas the Father-Loving
Capital
Petra
Origin
Nabataea
Identification Certainty
Firm identification; extent of authority in Damascus debated
Overview
Aretas IV was the Nabataean king named in 2 Corinthians 11:32 in connection with Paul’s escape from Damascus.
Biography
Aretas IV ruled during the lifetimes of Jesus and the apostle Paul. Nabataea prospered through commerce and royal building activity, especially at Petra. His daughter married Herod Antipas, but Antipas later sought to marry Herodias. Josephus reports that the resulting conflict contributed to war between Aretas and Antipas. In 2 Corinthians 11:32, Paul describes an official under King Aretas guarding Damascus to arrest him; Paul escaped through an opening in the wall. The passage does not settle whether Aretas directly controlled the entire city at that time.
Historical Significance
Most directly relevant Nabataean king for New Testament history; associated with Paul and Herod Antipas.
Major Events
Royal building and trade; war with Herod Antipas; official associated with Paul’s escape from Damascus.
Biblical Significance
Named explicitly in 2 Corinthians 11:32; also important to the background of Herod Antipas and John the Baptist.
Scripture References
2 Corinthians 11:32–33; Acts 9:23–25 (parallel escape account)
Primary Sources
2 Corinthians 11:32–33; Josephus, Antiquities 18; Nabataean inscriptions and coins