What is the Decapolis in the Bible?

Definition and Etymology

The term “Decapolis” derives from two Greek words—“deka” (δέκα), meaning “ten,” and “polis” (πόλις), meaning “city.” As such, the word denotes a league or grouping of ten distinct cities. In biblical usage, the Decapolis refers to a region east of the Sea of Galilee (although one city, Scythopolis, lay west of the Jordan) characterized by a shared Greco-Roman cultural influence within the predominantly Semitic surroundings.

Geographical Location and Cities

The Decapolis encompassed a cluster of cities which many scholars commonly identify as: Scythopolis (Beth Shean), Hippos, Gadara, Pella, Gerasa (Jerash), Philadelphia (Amman), Capitolias, Raphana, Canatha, and Damascus. Some historical records vary on the exact composition, but these ten cities are frequently accepted in classical references and ancient writings (e.g., Josephus, Jewish War, 3.446). Each was a hub of Greek language, Hellenistic architecture, and Roman governance, operating with a high degree of autonomy under the Roman Empire.

These cities spanned regions in what is now northern Jordan, southern Syria, and parts of modern Israel. Scythopolis was the only city on the western side of the Jordan River, linking the predominantly Jewish regions of Galilee and Judea with the more Hellenistic and Gentile territory farther east.

Historical Context

Formed in the first century BC following Roman military campaigns, the Decapolis cities were granted certain privileges, including partial self-governance and reduced tribute, in exchange for loyalty to Rome. They formed a geopolitical bloc, tied together economically and militarily, allowing them to flourish as centers of Greek and Roman culture.

Throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods, these cities developed further. Archaeological digs in sites such as Jerash (biblical Gerasa) and Beth Shean (Scythopolis) have revealed theaters, colonnaded streets, temples, and other structures reflecting Hellenistic and Roman influences. Excavations have uncovered coins minted with inscriptions referencing the Decapolis, confirming the cities’ strong affiliations and their collective identity.

Mention in the New Testament

In several passages, the Gospels directly reference the Decapolis as an area impacted by the ministry of Jesus:

• “Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.” (Matthew 4:25)

• “So the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.” (Mark 5:20)

• “Again He departed from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Decapolis.” (Mark 7:31)

These verses show how news of Jesus spread swiftly through both Jewish and Gentile territories. The mention of “great crowds” coming from the Decapolis also highlights the area’s openness to new teachings. Due to the Decapolis cities’ predominantly Hellenistic culture, it is notable that Jesus’s influence extended beyond Jewish communities, underscoring the expansive reach of His ministry.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Decapolis region was mainly populated by Gentiles, which broadened cultural exposure to Greek philosophy and Roman civic structure. In the biblical narrative, Jesus’s encounters in or near these cities signaled an inclusive ministry that crossed typical ethnic and religious boundaries. The healing and teaching journeys in the region illustrate the transformative power witnessed by Gentiles and Jews alike (Mark 5:1–20, provides the account of the healing of the demon-possessed man, associated with the nearby region of the Gerasenes or Gadarenes, within or adjacent to Decapolis territory).

Archaeological Insights

Substantial archaeological studies at Jerash (ancient Gerasa), Pella, and Beth Shean (Scythopolis) have revealed city gates, temples, baths, and amphitheaters consistent with Roman urban planning. Inscriptions discovered in these digs confirm their status in the Roman provincial system. The cityscapes discovered match the biblical references describing people from these regions traveling to hear Jesus, as the roads connecting them would have been well maintained for commerce and communication.

Additionally, inscriptions commemorating Roman emperors and local benefactors have been found, supporting the historical claim that the Decapolis cities retained a high level of civic pride and autonomy. These archaeological findings uphold the consistent biblical portrayal of a thriving Gentile region beyond the immediate confines of Judea and Galilee.

Theological Implications

The Decapolis references in the Gospels serve as a reminder that the works of Jesus were neither contained solely within Jewish communities nor restricted to Israel’s traditional boundaries. This underlines an essential premise: the good news transcends cultural barriers. Jesus’s ministry in or near the Decapolis demonstrated fulfillment of prophecy, pointing to a Messiah whose reach would ultimately include all nations.

For readers of the New Testament, the presence of Gentile populations and their enthusiastic response to Jesus underscore the redemptive plan extending beyond ethnic lines. Such passages affirm both the reliability of the Gospel accounts and their portrayal of widespread interest in Jesus’s miracles and teachings throughout different regions and peoples.

Conclusion

In Scripture, the Decapolis symbolizes a Hellenistic enclave within the broader biblical world, shedding light on the historical, cultural, and religious contexts in which Jesus ministered. Archaeological evidence and historical documents (e.g., Josephus) corroborate these biblical references, confirming that the Decapolis was a flourishing confederation of cities known for Greek culture and Roman governance.

By connecting varied populations—Jew and Gentile alike—the Decapolis highlights the broader scope of Christ’s ministry and the transformative effects of His miracles and teachings. This region stands as a testament to the New Testament’s consistent and historically grounded narrative—providing insight into how the message and power of Jesus resonated across diverse lands and peoples.