Herod
Herod in the Bible — the king (MAT 2:1). Herod belonged to the tribe of Edom. Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “son of a hero”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Edom
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Herod was a male king from the tribe of Edom, known specifically as Herod I, the founder of the Herodian dynasty and son of Antipater. He is uniquely identified in Scripture as 'the king' in Matthew 2:1. His rule and lineage mark a significant period in Judean history during the New Testament era.
Names & Titles
The proper name 'Herod' appears in Matthew 2:1 without a given meaning in the text. He also held the title 'King of Judea,' which means 'king of the land of Judah,' as referenced in Luke 1:5. Neither name is indicated as given by God, but both establish his royal authority and territorial rule.
Family
Scripture explicitly records that Herod was the father of Archelaus, as noted in Matthew 2:22. It is also inferred that Herod was the father of another individual mentioned in Matthew 14:1. Beyond these, the biblical record does not provide additional family details.
Significance
Herod's significance in the biblical narrative stems from his role as the ruling king during the time of Jesus' birth, as highlighted in Matthew 2:1. As the founder of the Herodian dynasty, he represents a key political figure in the history of Judea, influencing events surrounding the early life of Christ. His lineage and kingship provide important context for understanding the political and social environment of the New Testament.
Names & Labels (2)
- Hebrew
- הוֹרְדוֹס
- Transliteration
- horədos
- Greek
- Ἡρῴδης
- Reference
- MAT 2:1
- Strong's
- none
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ אֶרֶץ יְהוּדָה
- Transliteration
- melekh erets yəhudah
- Meaning
- king [of the] land [of] Judah
- Greek
- βασιλέως τῆς Ἰουδαίας
- Reference
- LUK 1:5
- Strong's
- H4428, H776, H3063
Notes
Herod I, founder of the Herodian dynasty, son of Antipater
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Herod in the Bible?
Herod was a male king from the tribe of Edom, known specifically as Herod I, the founder of the Herodian dynasty and son of Antipater. He is uniquely identified in Scripture as 'the king' in Matthew 2:1. His rule and lineage mark a significant period in Judean history during the New Testament era.
What does the name Herod mean?
The name Herod means “son of a hero” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.