Maccabees etymology

Etymology

The word "Maccabees" comes from the name of the priest Mattathias and his five sons, who led the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The name "Mattathias" means "Gift of God" in Hebrew.

Meaning

The term "Maccabees" has the following meanings:

  • Literal meaning: The family or descendants of Mattathias.
  • Figurative meaning: A group of brave and determined fighters who fought for their religion and independence.
  • Religious meaning: A symbol of Jewish resistance and resilience during times of persecution.

Origin

The name "Maccabees" originated in the Book of Maccabees, a historical account written by Jewish scribes in the 2nd century BCE. The book tells the story of the Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BCE), which was a successful uprising against the Seleucid Empire and led to the establishment of an independent Jewish state.

History

The Maccabees were a group of Jewish rebels who fought for religious freedom under the leadership of Mattathias and his sons. The name "Maccabees" became associated with the revolt and its leaders, and has since been used to refer to Jewish fighters and resistance movements throughout history. Today, the term "Maccabees" is commonly associated with the Hanukkah holiday, which commemorates the Maccabean victory over the Seleucids.

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