Bible Dictionary

Herod Archelaus

Government & Society • New Testament
A Visit With Jesus
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Herod Archelaus was a son of Herod the Great and brother of Herod Antipas. He ruled Judea and Samaria after his father, and Joseph and Mary avoided his territory when returning with Jesus.

Definition

Herod Archelaus was a son of Herod the Great and the brother of Herod Antipas. He inherited Judea and Samaria after his father’s death.

Biblical Usage

Archelaus is mentioned in Matthew 2:22. Joseph and Mary avoided returning to Judea because Archelaus ruled there, and they went instead to Galilee.

Historical Background

The supplied material identifies Archelaus chiefly by his relationship to Antipas and his place in the Herodian succession. No further historical details are given here.

Scripture References

Matthew 2:22

Related Figures

Mary Joseph Herod the Great Herod Antipas, called Herod the Tetrarch or Herod in Acts 4:27 Jesus Christ

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Matt. 2:22), the brother of Antipas (q.v.).
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