Bible Dictionary
PHARATHON
Pharathon was a fortified Judean city strengthened by Bacchides during the Maccabean war. Its exact location is uncertain.
Definition
Pharathon was one of the strong cities of Judea fortified by Bacchides during the Maccabean war. Its exact identification is uncertain. The Greek text may join the name with Thamnatha, while Josephus and the Syriac appear to separate the two names.
Biblical Usage
Pharathon is mentioned in 1 Maccabees in the account of Bacchides’ fortification of Judean strongholds during the conflict.
Historical Background
If Pharathon was strictly in Judean territory, it should not be identified with the Pharathon of Judges. One proposed location is a fortress covering the top of Wady Farah.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>far'-a-thon (Pharathon): One of the strong cities of Judea fortified by Bacchides during the Maccabean war (1 Macc 9:50). Septuagint reads "Thamnatha-pharathon" as the name of one city. Josephus, however (Ant., XIII, i, 3), and Syriac supply the "and" between them. The name represents a Hebrew pir`athon. If it is to be taken strictly as in Judean territory, it cannot be identified with PIRATHON (which see) of Jud 12:15. In that case we should probably seek for it with Dr. G.A. Smith in some fortress covering the top of Wady Far`ah.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>