Bible Dictionary
Judea
Judea was the southern region of Palestine, especially under Roman administration. It included Jerusalem and the territories associated with Judah and Benjamin, and was governed by a Roman procurator during Jesus’ ministry.
Definition
Judea was the southern division of Palestine under Roman rule, though the name could also refer more broadly to the country west of the Jordan or to Palestine generally. In the time of Christ it was distinguished from Galilee and Samaria and included the territories of Judah, Benjamin, Dan, Simeon, and part of Ephraim.
Biblical Usage
Judea is frequently the setting of events in the Gospel narrative, including the birth and ministry of Jesus. The name is also used more broadly in Acts for the land or region associated with the Jewish people.
Historical Background
Under the Romans, Judea formed part of the province of Syria and was governed by a procurator. After the Captivity, the name was applied to the whole country west of the Jordan.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
After the Captivity this name was applied to the whole of the country west of the Jordan (Hag. 1:1, 14; 2:2). But under the Romans, in the time of Christ, it denoted the southernmost of the three divisions of Palestine (Matt. 2:1, 5; 3:1; 4:25), although it was also sometimes used for Palestine generally (Acts 28:21). The province of Judea, as distinguished from Galilee and Samaria, included the territories of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Dan, Simeon, and part of Ephraim. Under the Romans it was a part of the province of Syria, and was governed by a procurator.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>joo-de'-a: In Ezr 5:8 for "Judah"; thus the Revised Version (British and American). In the New Testament the form is JUDAEA (which see).</p>