Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Archelaus was a significant figure in the early first century, known primarily for his role as the ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea following the death of his father, Herod the Great. His reign is noted in the context of the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew.Background and Family Archelaus was the son of Herod the Great and Malthace, a Samaritan woman. Herod the Great, known for his extensive building projects and the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, had multiple sons with different wives, leading to a complex and often contentious succession. Archelaus was one of Herod's sons who survived the purges that Herod enacted against his own family members, including the execution of several of his sons. Reign as Ethnarch Upon Herod the Great's death in 4 B.C., his kingdom was divided among his surviving sons, as stipulated in his will and confirmed by Augustus Caesar. Archelaus was appointed ethnarch over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea, a title that indicated a ruler of a people or nation but was of lesser status than a king. His rule was marked by unrest and dissatisfaction among the Jewish population, largely due to his harsh and tyrannical governance. Biblical Reference Archelaus is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew in the context of the early life of Jesus. After the death of Herod the Great, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus returned from Egypt. However, upon learning that Archelaus was ruling over Judea, Joseph was afraid to go there. This fear was due to Archelaus's reputation for cruelty, which was well-known. Consequently, Joseph was divinely warned in a dream to withdraw to the region of Galilee, where they settled in the town of Nazareth. This event is recorded in Matthew 2:22-23 : "But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'" End of Reign Archelaus's reign was short-lived, lasting approximately ten years. His rule was characterized by significant unrest and dissatisfaction among the Jewish populace, leading to numerous complaints being sent to Rome. In A.D. 6, due to his inability to maintain order and the numerous accusations against him, Archelaus was deposed by Augustus Caesar and banished to Vienne in Gaul. His territories were then annexed to the Roman province of Syria, and Judea came under direct Roman administration, setting the stage for the later governance by Roman procurators, including Pontius Pilate. Historical Significance Archelaus's rule is significant in the context of the New Testament narrative, as it indirectly influenced the early life of Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding His upbringing in Nazareth. His deposition also marked a shift in the governance of Judea, leading to increased Roman influence and setting the stage for the political climate during the ministry of Jesus. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ArchelausSmith's Bible Dictionary Archelaus(prince of the people), son of Herod the Great by a Samaritan woman, Malthake, and, with his brother Antipas brought up at Rome. At the death of Herod (B.C. 4) his kingdom was divided between his three sons, Herod Antipas, Archelaus and Philip. Archelaus never properly bore the title of king, (Matthew 2:22) but only that of ethnarch. In the tenth year of his reign, or the ninth according to Dion Cassius, i.e. A.D. 6, a complaint was preferred against him by his brothers and his subjects on the ground of his tyranny, in consequence of which he was banished to Vienne in Gaul, where he is generally said to have died. Easton's Bible Dictionary Ruler of the people, son of Herod the Great, by Malthace, a Samaritan woman. He was educated along with his brother Antipas at Rome. He inherited from his father a third part of his kingdom viz., Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, and hence is called "king" (Matthew 2:22). It was for fear of him that Joseph and Mary turned aside on their way back from Egypt. Till a few days before his death Herod had named Antipas as his successor, but in his last moments he named Archelaus. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARCHELAUSar-ke-la'-us (Archelaos, Matthew 2:22): Son of Herod the Great by his wife Malthace. He succeeded on his father's death to the government of Judea, Samaria and Idumaea, but was deposed by the Romans for misgovernment in 6 A.D. See HEROD. Greek 745. Archelaos -- "people-ruling," Archelaus, a son of Herod the ... ... 744, 745. Archelaos. 746 . "people-ruling," Archelaus, a son of Herod the Great and king of Judea, Samaria and Idumea. Part of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/745.htm - 6k Library Introductory Notice to Archelaus. Archelaus Said to Manes: Give us a Statement Now of the Doctrines ... Archelaus Goes to Rome with a Great Number of his Kindred. He is ... When Archelaus had Finished this Speech, the Crowds of People ... Archelaus On Receiving this Epistle, Archelaus was Astonished at the Man's ... The Jews Greatly Complain of Archelaus and Desire that they May be ... When Turbo had Made this Statement, Archelaus was Intensely ... How Archelaus Upon a Second Accusation, was Banished to vienna. Archelaus Makes a Funeral Feast for the People, on the Account of ... Thesaurus Archelaus (1 Occurrence)... Till a few days before his death Herod had named Antipas as his successor, but in his last moments he named Archelaus. Int. ...ARCHELAUS. ... /a/archelaus.htm - 7k Chronology Judaea (45 Occurrences) Macedonia (23 Occurrences) Manaen (1 Occurrence) Reign (468 Occurrences) Herod (45 Occurrences) Archer (5 Occurrences) Country News (453 Occurrences) Resources Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Archelaus (1 Occurrence)Matthew 2:22 Subtopics Archelaus (Archaelaus): A Ruler of Judaea (A Son of Herod the Great) Related Terms |
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