Herod of Chalcis

Herod of Chalcis was a member of the Herodian family who gained authority over the Jerusalem Temple and appointments to the high priesthood.

Herod of Chalcis was a grandson of Herod the Great and brother of Herod Agrippa I. Emperor Claudius gave him the small kingdom of Chalcis in the Lebanon region. Josephus reports that Herod petitioned Claudius for oversight of the Jerusalem Temple, its treasury, and the right to select high priests, and that his request was granted. This authority made him important to Judean religious politics despite the location of his kingdom outside Judea. He exercised his appointment powers, replacing high priests during the 40s AD. His marriage to Berenice, daughter of Agrippa I, linked branches of the Herodian dynasty. He died around AD 48, and his territory later passed to Agrippa II.

Herod of Chalcis shows how Roman-supported Herodian rulers could influence the Jerusalem priesthood even without ruling Judea directly.

c. AD 41: Received the kingdom of Chalcis from Claudius. Obtained authority over the Temple treasury and high-priestly appointments. Appointed and removed high priests. c. AD 48: Died; Chalcis later passed to Agrippa II.

Died c. AD 48. His burial place is not securely known.

Herod of Chalcis is not named in the New Testament. His control of high-priestly appointments provides background to the Temple leadership and the Herodian family encountered in Acts.