Apphus is a surname attributed to Jonathan, one of the sons of Mattathias, in the historical context of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The name "Apphus" is believed to mean "the diplomat" or "the dissembler," reflecting Jonathan's role and character in the events that unfolded during this tumultuous period in Jewish history.

Historical Context

The Maccabean revolt, which took place in the 2nd century BC, was a significant uprising by the Jewish people against the oppressive rule of the Seleucid king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This revolt was sparked by the king's attempts to force Hellenistic practices and idolatry upon the Jewish population, leading to widespread persecution and desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

Mattathias, a priest from the town of Modein, initiated the revolt by refusing to comply with the king's decrees and by rallying those faithful to the covenant of their forefathers. Upon Mattathias's death, leadership of the revolt passed to his sons, among whom Jonathan, surnamed Apphus, played a crucial role.

Jonathan Apphus

Jonathan Apphus emerged as a key leader after the death of his brother Judas Maccabeus, who had initially led the Jewish forces to several victories. Jonathan's leadership is marked by his diplomatic skills and strategic acumen, which were instrumental in securing the survival and autonomy of the Jewish people during this period.

The Book of 1 Maccabees, a historical account found in the Apocrypha, provides detailed narratives of Jonathan's exploits and leadership. In 1 Maccabees 9:28-31 , it is recorded that after the death of Judas, the remaining followers of the Maccabean cause gathered and appointed Jonathan as their leader, recognizing his ability to guide them through the challenges they faced.

Jonathan's tenure as leader was characterized by both military and diplomatic efforts. He successfully navigated the complex political landscape of the time, forming alliances and negotiating with various powers to secure the interests of the Jewish nation. His diplomatic endeavors included interactions with the Seleucid rulers and other regional powers, which helped to stabilize the region and ensure the continuation of Jewish religious practices.

Legacy

Jonathan Apphus's leadership contributed significantly to the eventual establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled Judea for several generations. His ability to balance military prowess with diplomatic negotiations exemplified the qualities necessary for leadership during a period of intense persecution and conflict.

The legacy of Jonathan Apphus is remembered as part of the broader Maccabean struggle for religious freedom and national sovereignty. His role in the preservation of Jewish identity and faith during a time of great trial is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Maccabean leaders and their commitment to the covenant with God.APPHUS

af'-us, ap'-fus: A name borne by Jonathan, the fifth son of Mattathias (Apphous, 1 Maccabees 2:5). All the brothers, according to this passage, had double names; John is said to have been called Gaddis; Simon, Thassi; Judas, Maccabeus; Eleazar, Avaran; Jonathan, Apphus (1 Maccabees 2:2-5). The latter were probably the names which Mattathias gave his sons, while the former were received later when they became "leaders of the people." The common explanation of the word "Apphus" relates it to the Syriac choppus, "the dissembler"; but Torrey (article "Maccabees," Encyclopedia Biblica) points out that we have no means of ascertaining with what guttural consonant the word began, or what Semitic consonant the Greek "s" represents. Both the form and meaning of the name are, therefore, still to be explained.

H. J. Wolf

How, Upon Antiochus's Prohibition to the Jews to Make Use of the ...
... Gaddis, and Simon, who was called Matthes, and Judas, who was called Maccabeus,
[19] and Eleazar, who was called Auran, and Jonathan, who was called Apphus. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how upon antiochuss.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... Quintus, Leonides, Sempronianus, Philo, Heraclides, Hieracys, Rufus, Pasophius,
Macedonius, Apollodorus, Flavianus, Psaes, Syrus, Apphus, Sarapion, Esaias ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

Apphus
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia APPHUS. af'-us, ap'-fus: A name borne by
Jonathan, the fifth son of Mattathias (Apphous, 1 Maccabees ...
/a/apphus.htm - 7k

Appii (1 Occurrence)

/a/appii.htm - 9k

Ap'phia (1 Occurrence)
Ap'phia. Apphia, Ap'phia. Apphus . Multi-Version Concordance Ap'phia
(1 Occurrence). ... Apphia, Ap'phia. Apphus . Reference Bible.
/a/ap'phia.htm - 6k

Jonathan (109 Occurrences)
... (16) (Ionathes, 1 Maccabees 2:5; 13-Sep; and Inathan 2 Maccabees 8:22; Swete reads
Ionathes): The Maccabee surnamed Apphus in 1 Maccabees 2:5, son of Mattathias ...
/j/jonathan.htm - 59k

Maccabaeus
... import of the revolt will be found in Jerusalem under the High Priests, 97-99, by
ER Bevan, London, 1904.) 3. Jonathan: Jonathan (called Apphus, "the wary ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Maccabees
... import of the revolt will be found in Jerusalem under the High Priests, 97-99, by
ER Bevan, London, 1904.) 3. Jonathan: Jonathan (called Apphus, "the wary ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.org

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

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