Herod, Herod Antipas

Definition

During most of Jesus’ lifetime, Herod Antipas was the ruler of the part of the Roman Empire that included Galilee province.

• Like his father Herod the Great, Antipas was sometimes referred to as “King Herod” even though he was not really a king.
• Herod Antipas ruled about one-fourth of the provinces of Israel, so he was also called “Herod the tetrarch.” “Tetrarch” was a title for a person who ruled one-fourth of a country.
• Antipas is the “Herod” who gave the order for John the Baptist to be killed by beheading.
• It was also Herod Antipas who questioned Jesus before his crucifixion.
• The other Herods in the New Testament were Antipas’ son (Agrippa) and grandson (Agrippa 2) who ruled during the time of the apostles.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: crucify, Herod the Great, John (the Baptist), king, Rome)

Bible References

• Luke 3:1-2
• Luke 3:20
• Luke 9:9
• Luke 13:32
• Luke 23:9
• Mark 6:20
• Matthew 14:2

Word Data

• Strong’s: G22640, G22650, G22670