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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Sicarii</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/sicarii.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/sicarii.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Sicarii</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/sibylline_oracles.htm" title="Sibylline Oracles">◄</a> Sicarii <a href="/topical/s/siccuth.htm" title="Siccuth">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The Sicarii were a radical Jewish splinter group active during the first century AD, particularly known for their role in the Jewish resistance against Roman occupation. The name "Sicarii" is derived from the Latin word "sica," meaning "dagger," reflecting their use of concealed daggers to carry out assassinations. They are often associated with the Zealots, another Jewish group that opposed Roman rule, but the Sicarii were distinguished by their extreme tactics and willingness to employ violence against both Romans and Jewish collaborators.<br><br><b>Historical Context</b><br><br>The Sicarii emerged during a turbulent period in Jewish history, marked by increasing tensions between the Jewish population and the Roman authorities. This era culminated in the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 AD), a significant conflict that ultimately led to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. The Sicarii played a crucial role in the early stages of this revolt, advocating for Jewish independence and the expulsion of Roman forces from Judea.<br><br><b>Tactics and Activities</b><br><br>The Sicarii were known for their clandestine operations, often targeting Jewish leaders who were perceived as collaborators with the Roman authorities. They would blend into crowds during festivals and other public gatherings, using their daggers to assassinate their targets before disappearing into the throngs of people. This method of operation instilled fear among both Roman officials and Jewish leaders who were seen as sympathetic to Roman rule.<br><br><b>Biblical References</b><br><br>While the Sicarii are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, their activities and the broader context of Jewish resistance to Roman rule are reflected in the New Testament. The political and social unrest of the period is evident in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. For instance, in <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Acts 5:37</a> , reference is made to Judas the Galilean, who led a revolt against Roman taxation, an event that resonates with the anti-Roman sentiment that fueled groups like the Sicarii: "After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered."<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the Sicarii's actions can be seen as part of the broader struggle between the Kingdom of God and earthly powers. Their zeal for Jewish independence and the restoration of a theocratic state reflects a deep-seated desire for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. However, their reliance on violence and assassination stands in contrast to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who advocated for love, forgiveness, and peace. In <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a> , Jesus states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," highlighting a stark difference in approach to the issues of oppression and injustice.<br><br><b>Legacy</b><br><br>The Sicarii's legacy is one of both admiration and caution. Their fervent dedication to the Jewish cause and their willingness to sacrifice for their beliefs are noteworthy. However, their methods serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of resorting to violence in the pursuit of religious and political goals. The fall of Masada in 73 AD, where the last of the Sicarii made their final stand, remains a powerful symbol of resistance and the tragic cost of extremism.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">SICARII</span><p>si-ka'-ri-i.<br><br>See <a href="../a/assassins.htm">ASSASSINS</a>.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4607.htm"><span class="l">4607. sikarios -- an assassin</span></a> <br><b>...</b> sikarios Phonetic Spelling: (sik-ar'-ee-os) Short Definition: an assassin, murderer<br> Definition: an assassin, murderer, bandit; one of the <b>Sicarii</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4607.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_10_that_many_of.htm"><span class="l">That Many of the <b>Sicarii</b> Fled to Alexandria Also and what Dangers <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> That Many Of The <b>Sicarii</b> Fled To Alexandria Also And What Dangers They Were In There;<br> On Which Account That Temple Which Had Formerly Been Built By Onias The <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 10 that many of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_8_concerning_masada_and.htm"><span class="l">Concerning Masada and those <b>Sicarii</b> who Kept It; and How Silva <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> CHAPTER 8. Concerning Masada And Those <b>Sicarii</b> Who Kept It; And How Silva Betook<br> Himself To Form The Siege Of That Citadel. Eleazar's Speeches To The Besieged. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 8 concerning masada and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_11_concerning_jonathan_one.htm"><span class="l">Concerning Jonathan, one of the <b>Sicarii</b>, that Stirred up a <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> CHAPTER 11. Concerning Jonathan, One Of The <b>Sicarii</b>, That Stirred Up A Sedition<br> In Cyrene, And Was A False Accuser [Of The Innocent]. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 11 concerning jonathan one.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_13_nero_adds_four.htm"><span class="l">Nero Adds Four Cities to Agrippas Kingdom; but the Other Parts of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Disturbances Which Were Raised By The <b>Sicarii</b> The Magicians And An Egyptian<br> False Prophet. The Jews And Syrians Have A Contest At Cesarea. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 13 nero adds four.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_9_concerning_albinus_under.htm"><span class="l">Concerning Albinus under Whose Procuratorship James was Slain; as <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> was come to the city of Jerusalem, he used all his endeavors and care that the country<br> might be kept in peace, and this by destroying many of the <b>Sicarii</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning albinus under.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/"><span class="l">The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Disturbances Which Were Raised By The <b>Sicarii</b> The Magicians And An Egyptian<br> False Prophet. The Jews And Syrians Have A Contest At Cesarea. CHAPTER 14. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the wars of the jews or history of the destruction of jerusalem/</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_acts_and_romans/homily_xlvi_acts_xxi_18.htm"><span class="l">Acts xxi. 18, 19</span></a> <br><b>...</b> text adds, "But as for the <b>sicarii</b>, some say they were a kind of robbers, so called<br> from the swords they bore, which by the Romans are called sic??: others <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlvi acts xxi 18.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_city_of_delight/chapter_iv_the_travelers.htm"><span class="l">The Travelers</span></a> <br><b>...</b> it. I am of the loved and dethroned Maccabaean line"acceptable to every<br> faction of Jewry, from the Essenes to the <b>Sicarii</b>. Titus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_7_how_john_tyrannized.htm"><span class="l">How John Tyrannized Over the Rest; and what Mischiefs the Zealots <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Those that were called <b>Sicarii</b> had taken possession of it formerly, but at this<br> time they overran the neighboring countries, aiming only to procure to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 7 how john tyrannized.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hippolytus/the_refutation_of_all_heresies/chapter_xxi_different_sects_of_the.htm"><span class="l">Different Sects of the Esseni.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And it is from this occurrence that they have received their appellation,<br> being denominated (by some) Zelot??, but by others <b>Sicarii</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxi different sects of the.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/sicarii.htm"><span class="l"><b>Sicarii</b></span></a><br><b>Sicarii</b>. Sibylline, <b>Sicarii</b>. Siccuth . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia <b>SICARII</b>.<br> si-ka'-ri-i. See ASSASSINS. Sibylline, <b>Sicarii</b>. Siccuth . <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sicarii.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/z/zealots.htm"><span class="l">Zealots</span></a><br><b>...</b> They were afterwards called <b>Sicarii</b>, from their use of the sica, ie, the Roman<br> dagger. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZEALOT; ZEALOTS. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/z/zealots.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/festus.htm"><span class="l">Festus (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> latter by Tertullus (Acts 24:2) might with better reason have been bestowed on Festus,<br> in that he freed the country from many robbers (<b>Sicarii</b>: Josephus, Ant <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/festus.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/porcius.htm"><span class="l">Porcius (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> latter by Tertullus (Acts 24:2) might with better reason have been bestowed on Festus,<br> in that he freed the country from many robbers (<b>Sicarii</b>: Josephus, Ant <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/porcius.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/assassins.htm"><span class="l">Assassins (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the King James Version murderers): Josephus (BJ, II, xiii, 3, xvii) relates that<br> "there sprang up in Jerusalem a class of robbers called <b>Sicarii</b>, who slew men <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/assassins.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/antonius.htm"><span class="l">Antonius</span></a><br><b>...</b> Lysias refers (Acts 21:38), yet "he himself was more hurtful than them all." When<br> occasion offered, he did not hesitate to employ the <b>sicarii</b> (see ASSASSINS <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/antonius.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/siccuth.htm"><span class="l">Siccuth (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/siccuth.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sibylline.htm"><span class="l">Sibylline</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sibylline.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/felix.htm"><span class="l">Felix (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Lysias refers (Acts 21:38), yet "he himself was more hurtful than them all." When<br> occasion offered, he did not hesitate to employ the <b>sicarii</b> (see ASSASSINS <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/felix.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/ananias.htm"><span class="l">Ananias (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Romans. He died an ignominious death, being assassinated by the popular<br> zealots (<b>sicarii</b>) at the beginning of the last Jewish war. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/ananias.htm - 19k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Judas-Iscariot.html">Who was Judas Iscariot? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Porcius-Festus.html">Who was Porcius Festus? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Paul-between-third-fourth-journeys.html">What happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/sicarii.htm">Sicarii</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabernacle.htm">Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sichem.htm">Sichem (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sicarii.htm">Sicarii</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/astrology.htm">Astrology</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/sibylline_oracles.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Sibylline Oracles"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Sibylline Oracles" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/siccuth.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Siccuth"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Siccuth" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>