Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "tetrarch" is derived from the Greek word "tetrarchēs," which means "ruler of a quarter." In the context of the New Testament and the Roman Empire, a tetrarch was a governor of one of four divisions of a country or province. The title was used to denote a ruler who governed a portion of a larger kingdom or territory, often under the authority of a higher king or emperor.Historical Context In the Roman Empire, the title of tetrarch was not limited to exactly one-fourth of a region but was used more generally to describe a subordinate ruler. The most notable use of the term in the New Testament is in reference to Herod Antipas, who was a tetrarch of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus Christ. Herod Antipas was one of the sons of Herod the Great, who, upon his death, divided his kingdom among his sons. Herod Antipas ruled as tetrarch from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. Biblical References The New Testament mentions tetrarchs in several passages, primarily in relation to Herod Antipas. In the Gospel of Matthew, Herod Antipas is referred to as a tetrarch when he hears about the fame of Jesus: "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus" (Matthew 14:1). This passage highlights Herod's political position and his interest in the activities of Jesus, which eventually led to the beheading of John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Luke, the term is used to describe the political landscape during the time of John the Baptist's ministry: "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene" (Luke 3:1). This passage provides a historical framework for the events of the Gospels, situating them within the broader context of Roman rule. Role and Influence As a tetrarch, Herod Antipas wielded significant power within his territories, though he was ultimately subject to Roman authority. His rule was marked by political maneuvering and attempts to maintain favor with both the Roman authorities and the Jewish population. Herod's interactions with key figures of the New Testament, such as John the Baptist and Jesus, underscore his role in the political and religious dynamics of the time. Herod Antipas's ambition and political acumen are evident in his construction projects, including the building of the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as his capital. Despite his efforts to solidify his rule, Herod's reign ended in exile after he was accused of conspiracy against the Roman Emperor Caligula. Significance in the New Testament The mention of tetrarchs in the New Testament serves to provide historical context and to illustrate the complex political environment in which Jesus and His followers lived. The interactions between Jesus, John the Baptist, and Herod Antipas highlight the tension between the emerging Christian movement and the established political and religious authorities. The role of the tetrarchs, particularly Herod Antipas, is a reminder of the fulfillment of God's plan through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, despite the opposition and challenges posed by earthly rulers. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary TetrarchSmith's Bible Dictionary Tetrarchproperly the sovereign or governor of the fourth part of a country. (Matthew 14:1; Luke 3:1; 9:7; Acts 13:1) The title was, however, often applied to any one who governed a Roman province, of whatever size. The title of king was sometimes assigned to a tetrarch. (Matthew 14:9; Mark 6:14,22) ATS Bible Dictionary TetrarchIs strictly the ruler of the fourth part of a state or province; but in the New Testament it is a general title applied to those who governed any part of a kingdom or province, with an authority subject only to that of the Roman emperor. Thus Herod the Great and his brother were at one time, in early life, constituted tetrarchs of Judea by Antony. At the death of Herod the Great, he left half his kingdom to Archelaus, with the title of ethnarch; while the other half was divided between two of his other sons. Herod Antipas and Philip, with the title of tetrarchs. See HEROD 1 and 2. In the same manner Lysanias is also said to have been tetrarch of Abilene, Luke 3:1. It is Herod Antipsas who is called the tetrarch in Matthew 14:1 Luke 3:19 9:7 Acts 13:1. As the authority of the tetrarch was similar to that of the king, so the general term king is also applied to Herod, Matthew 14:9 Mark 6:14. Easton's Bible Dictionary Strictly the ruler over the fourth part of a province; but the word denotes a ruler of a province generally (Matthew 14:1; Luke 3:1, 19; 9:7; Acts 13:1). Herod and Phasael, the sons of Antipater, were the first tetrarchs in Palestine. Herod the tetrarch had the title of king (Matthew 14:9). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A Roman governor of the fourth part of a province; hence, any subordinate or dependent prince; also, a petty king or sovereign.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TETRARCHte'-trark, tet'-rark tetrarches): As the name indicates it signifies a prince, who governs one-fourth of a domain or kingdom. The Greeks first used the word. Thus Philip of Macedon divided Thessaly into four "tetrarchies." Later on the Romans adopted the term and applied it to any ruler of a small principality. It is not synonymous with "ethnarch" at least the Romans made a distinction between Herod "tetrarch" of Galilee, Philip "tetrarch" of Trachonitis, Lysanias "tetrarch" of Abilene, and Archelaius "ethnarch" of Judea (BJ, II, vi, 3; Ant, XVII, xi, 4). The title was often conferred on Herodian princes by the Romans, and sometimes it was used courteously as a synonym for king (Matthew 14:9 Mark 6:14). In the same way a "tetrarchy" was sometimes called a kingdom. Greek 5075. tetrarcheo -- be tetrarch. ... 5074, 5075. tetrarcheo. 5076 . be tetrarch. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: tetrarcheo Phonetic Spelling: (tet-rar-kheh'-o ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5075.htm - 6k 5076. tetrarches -- tetrarch. 5068a. tetraarches -- a tetrarch (the governor of a fourth part of ... 5067b. tetraarcheo -- to be tetrarch 5068. tetragonos -- a tetrarch (the governor of a fourth part of a ... 5376. Philippos -- "horse-loving," Philip, two sons of Herod the ... 3078. Lusanias -- "ending sorrow," Lysanias, a governor of Abilene Library How Herod the Tetrarch was Banished. Herod the Tetrarch Makes War with Aretas, the King of Arabia, and ... At that Time Herod the Tetrarch Heard of the Fame of Jesus... Abgar Returns from the East; He Gives Help to Aretas in a War ... On the Position Given to the Preaching of John the Baptist in all ... Of the Two Herods. John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Times of Pilate. The Preaching of John. Ch. 3:1-20 John the Preacher of Repentance Thesaurus Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)... Herod the tetrarch had the title of king (Matthew 14:9). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ... 2. (a.) Four. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TETRARCH. ... /t/tetrarch.htm - 9k Abilene (1 Occurrence) Lysanias (1 Occurrence) Herodias (7 Occurrences) Ituraea (1 Occurrence) Lysanius (1 Occurrence) Lysa'ni-as (1 Occurrence) Iturea (1 Occurrence) Iturae'a (1 Occurrence) Judea (50 Occurrences) Resources Who was Herod Antipas? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the various Herods mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What year was Jesus Christ born? When was Jesus born? | GotQuestions.org Tetrarch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)Matthew 14:1 Luke 3:1 Luke 3:19 Luke 9:7 Acts 13:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |