Bible Dictionary
PYRAMID
A pyramid was a monumental tomb structure. Simon Maccabeus built pyramids at Modin as part of a memorial for his parents and brothers.
Definition
A pyramid is a monumental structure with sloping sides, used in the cited account as part of a memorial monument. The pyramids associated with Simon Maccabeus commemorated his parents and brothers.
Biblical Usage
Pyramids are mentioned in connection with the monument Simon Maccabeus erected at Modin in memory of his family. Scripture itself contains no allusion to the great structures in Egypt.
Historical Background
Josephus described Simon’s pyramids as remarkable for their size and beauty. The source notes that it is not known how the pyramid allotted to each person was distinguished, whether by size or inscriptions, and suggests that Egyptian structures may have supplied the idea.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>pir'-a-mid puramis: Pyramids are mentioned in connection with the splendid monument reared by Simon Maccabeus in memory of his parents and brethren at Modin (1 Macc 13:28; compare Ant, XIII vi, 6). Josephus describes them as "very surprising, both for their largeness and beauty." There is nothing to show how the pyramid allotted to each was distinguished, whether by difference in size or by inscriptions. It is remarkable that in Scripture there is no allusion to the giant structures in Egypt; but these may have supplied the suggestion to Simon's mind.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>