Biblical Kingdom Ruler
Herod of Chalcis
Photograph by PHGCOM, British Museum, via Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain — released by photographer PHGCOM
Ruler at a Glance
Kingdom
Chalcis (Chalcis sub Libanum)
Ruler Type
King of Chalcis
Reign
AD 41–48
Regnal Name
Herod
Alternate Names
Herod V; Herod Pollio; Herod II in some historical numbering
Capital
Chalcis sub Libanum
Origin
Herodian dynasty
Identification Certainty
Historically documented by Josephus; not directly named in Scripture.
Overview
Herod of Chalcis was a grandson of Herod the Great and brother of Agrippa I. Emperor Claudius granted him the kingdom of Chalcis in AD 41. After Agrippa I died, Herod received oversight of the Jerusalem Temple and authority to appoint high priests.
Biography
Herod of Chalcis belonged to the Herodian royal family. His father, Aristobulus IV, was a son of Herod the Great, and his brother Agrippa I ruled Judea from AD 41 to 44. The Roman emperor Claudius gave Herod control of Chalcis, a small client kingdom in the Lebanon region, in AD 41. Although Chalcis lay outside Judea, Herod became involved in religious administration at Jerusalem. Following Agrippa I’s death in AD 44, Claudius entrusted Herod with supervision of the Temple and the appointment of high priests. Josephus records his involvement in high-priestly appointments. Herod married Mariamne and later Berenice, a daughter of Agrippa I. His son Aristobulus later held royal authority in the region. Herod died in approximately AD 48, and Chalcis passed to his nephew Agrippa II. His career illustrates how Roman emperors used related Herodian rulers to administer neighboring territories and influence Jewish affairs.
Historical Significance
Herod of Chalcis linked a small northern client kingdom with the religious administration of Jerusalem. His authority over high-priestly appointments is particularly important for understanding Judean politics during the early Christian period.
Major Events
Received Chalcis from Claudius in AD 41; gained responsibility for the Jerusalem Temple and high-priestly appointments after AD 44; appointed high priests; died around AD 48; succeeded in Chalcis by Agrippa II.
Biblical Significance
Herod of Chalcis is not explicitly named in the New Testament. His control over Temple administration and high-priestly appointments provides historical background for the Jerusalem leadership in the period described by Acts.
Scripture References
Acts 12:1–23 (Agrippa I, his brother); Acts 23:1–5 (high-priestly context; no direct mention of Herod of Chalcis)
Primary Sources
Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 19.5.1; 20.1.3; 20.5.2; Josephus, Jewish War 2.11.6.
Death and Burial
Died around AD 48; burial location is not securely known.