3d • Bible Questions
7 Herods
Seven different rulers named Herod were appointed by Rome to govern the Judean region during the first century CE1, though the search results emphasize different subsets of this dynasty depending on their focus.
The three most significant figures in biblical narrative are Herod the Great (40–4 BCE), who rebuilt the Temple and reigned when Jesus was born; Herod Antipas (4 BCE–39 CE), his son, who executed John the Baptist; and Herod Agrippa II, who heard Paul’s defense in Caesarea1. These men were part of a dynasty—a partly hereditary, partly appointed line of Jewish rulers2 that functioned distinctly from Israel’s earlier monarchy. Unlike previous kings of Israel, the Herods were appointed by Roman Emperors and Senate2.
After Herod the Great divided his kingdom into four parts among his sons, the Roman senate confirmed this arrangement2. Herod Antipas, referred to as a tetrarch, governed Galilee2. Both appear in the trial narratives—Herod Antipas during Jesus’ trial and Herod Agrippa II during Paul’s trial3.
The exact count varies slightly between sources: one indicates six biblical Herods4, while another mentions five Herods in the gospel story3. The discrepancy likely reflects whether peripheral figures are included or whether the count distinguishes between those with substantial biblical narrative versus those with minimal mention. For practical biblical study, the three major figures—Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa II—account for nearly all significant biblical references and interactions with Jesus and the apostles.
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7 Herods
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