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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: Onias</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/o/onias.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/o/onias.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> > Onias</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/o/oniares.htm" title="Oniares">◄</a> Onias <a href="/topical/o/onion.htm" title="Onion">►</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="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</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><b>Overview:</b><br>Onias is a name associated with several Jewish high priests during the Second Temple period. The most notable figures bearing this name are Onias I, Onias II, Onias III, and Onias IV. These individuals played significant roles in the religious and political life of the Jewish people during a time of great change and turmoil.<br><br><b>Onias I:</b><br>Onias I was a high priest who served in the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC. He is believed to be the son of Jaddua, the high priest mentioned in <a href="/nehemiah/12-11.htm">Nehemiah 12:11</a>,22. Onias I's tenure is not extensively documented in biblical texts, but he is recognized for maintaining the traditions and practices of the Jewish faith during the early Hellenistic period.<br><br><b>Onias II:</b><br>Onias II, the son of Simon the Just, served as high priest in the early 3rd century BC. His tenure was marked by tensions with the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, who controlled Judea at the time. Onias II is noted for his refusal to pay tribute to the Ptolemaic king, which led to a crisis that was eventually resolved through diplomatic means. His actions reflect the complex relationship between the Jewish religious leadership and the ruling powers of the era.<br><br><b>Onias III:</b><br>Onias III, the son of Simon II, was high priest in the early 2nd century BC. He is known for his piety and dedication to the Jewish faith. Onias III's tenure was marked by internal strife and external pressures, particularly from the Seleucid Empire. He opposed the Hellenizing influences within Judea and sought to preserve the traditional Jewish way of life. His conflict with the Seleucid-appointed high priest, Jason, led to his removal from office and eventual assassination. The turmoil during his time is seen as a precursor to the Maccabean Revolt.<br><br><b>Onias IV:</b><br>Onias IV, the son of Onias III, fled to Egypt following his father's assassination. In Egypt, he established a Jewish temple at Leontopolis, which served as a center of worship for the Jewish community there. This temple, while not sanctioned by the Jerusalem priesthood, provided a place for Jews in the diaspora to maintain their religious practices. Onias IV's actions highlight the challenges faced by the Jewish people in maintaining their identity and faith in foreign lands.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br>While the name Onias does not appear directly in the canonical books of the Bible, the historical context of these high priests is intertwined with the events described in the books of the Maccabees, which are part of the Apocrypha. These texts provide insight into the struggles and resilience of the Jewish people during the Hellenistic period.<br><br><b>Historical Significance:</b><br>The Oniad high priests were instrumental in shaping the religious and political landscape of Judea during a time of significant change. Their leadership, challenges, and responses to external pressures reflect the broader narrative of Jewish perseverance and faithfulness to God's covenant. The legacy of the Oniads is a testament to the enduring strength of the Jewish faith amidst adversity.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Onias</span><p>the name of five high priests in the period between the Old and the New Testament.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">ONIAS</span><p>o-ni'-as (Onias): There were 3 high priests of the name of Onias, and a 4th Onias who did not become a high priest but was known as the builder of the temple of Leontopolis (Josephus, Ant, XIII, iii, 1-3). Only two persons of the name are mentioned in the Apocrypha-Onias I and Onias III.<br><br>(1) Onias I, according to Josephus (Ant., XI, viii, 7), the son of Jaddua and father of Simon the Just (ibid., XII, ii, 5; Sirach 50), and, according to 1 Maccabees 12:7, 20, a contemporary of Areus (Arius), king of Sparta, who reigned 309-265 B.C. (Diod. xx.29). This Onias was the recipient of a friendly letter from Areus of Sparta (1 Maccabees 12:7; see manuscripts readings here, and 12:20). Josephus (Ant., XII, iv, 10) represents this letter as written to Onias III, which is an error, for only two Areuses are known, and Areus II reigned about 255 B.C. and died a child of 8 years (Paus. iii.6, 6). The letter-if genuine-exists in two copies (Josephus, Ant, XII, iv, 10, and 1 Maccabees 12:20;) (see Schurer, History of the Jewish People, 4th edition, I, 182 and 237).<br><br>(2) Onias III, son of Simon II (Josephus, Ant, XII, iv, 10), whom he succeeded, and a contemporary of Seleucus IV and Antiochus Epiphanes (2 Maccabees 3:1; 4:7) and father of Onias IV. He was known for his godliness and zeal for the law, yet was on such friendly terms with the Seleucids that Seleucus IV Philopator defrayed the cost of the "services of the sacrifices." He quarreled with Simon the Benjamite, guardian of the temple, about the market buildings (Greek aedileship). Being unable to get the better of Onias and thirsting for revenge, Simon went to Apollonius, governor of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and informed him of the "untold sums of money," lodged in the treasury of the temple. The governor told the king, and Seleucus dispatched his chancellor, Heliodorus, to remove the money. Onias remonstrated in vain, pleading for the "deposits of widows and orphans." Heliodorus persisted in the object of his mission. The high priest and the people were in the greatest distress. But when Heliodorus had already entered the temple, "the Sovereign of spirits, and of all authority caused a great apparition," a horse with a terrible rider accompanied by two strong and beautiful young men who scourged and wounded Heliodorus. At the intercession of Onias, his life was spared. Heliodorus advised the king to send on the same errand any enemy or conspirator whom he wished punished. Simon then slandered Onias, and the jealousy having caused bloodshed between their followers, Onias decided to repair in person to the king to intercede for his country. Apparently before a decision was given, Seleucus was assassinated and Epiphanes succeeded (175 B.C.). Jason, the brother of Onias, having offered the new king larger revenue, secured the priesthood, which he held until he himself was similarly supplanted by Menelaus, Simon's brother (2 Maccabees 4:23; Josephus, Ant, XII, v, 1, says Jason's brother). Menelaus, having stolen golden vessels belonging to the temple to meet his promises made to the king, was sharply reproved by Onias. Menelaus took revenge by persuading Andronicus, the king's deputy, to entice Onias by false promises of friendship from his sanctuary at Daphne and treacherously slay him-an act which caused indignation among both the Jews and the Greeks (2 Maccabees 4:34;). Josephus (Ant., XII, v, 1) says that "on the death of Onias the high priest, Antiochus gave the high-priesthood to his brother Jesus (Jason)," but the account of 2 Maccabees given above is the more probable. Some see in <a href="/daniel/9-26.htm">Daniel 9:26</a>; <a href="/daniel/11-22.htm">Daniel 11:22</a> reference to Onias III (Schurer, 4th edition, I, 194;; III, 144).<br><br>S. Angus<p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_3_the_friendship_that.htm"><span class="l">The Friendship that was Between <b>Onias</b> and Ptolemy Philometor; and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> CHAPTER 3. The Friendship That Was Between <b>Onias</b> And Ptolemy Philometor; And<br> How <b>Onias</b> Built A Temple In Egypt Like To That At Jerusalem. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 the friendship that.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_4_how_antiochus_made.htm"><span class="l">How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How <b>Onias</b> Provoked <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> CHAPTER 4. How Antiochus Made A League With Ptolemy And How <b>Onias</b> Provoked Ptolemy<br> Euergetes To Anger; And How Joseph Brought All Things Right Again, And <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how antiochus made.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_5_how.htm"><span class="l">How</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 1. About this time, upon the death of <b>Onias</b> the high priest, they gave the high<br> priesthood to Jesus his brother; for that son which <b>Onias</b> left [or <b>Onias</b> IV <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_10_an_enumeration_of.htm"><span class="l">An Enumeration of the High Priests.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> democratical government for four hundred and fourteen years; and then the forementioned<br> Antiochus, and Lysias the general of his army, deprived <b>Onias</b>, who was <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 an enumeration of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_2_how_aretas_and.htm"><span class="l">How Aretas and Hyrcanus Made an Expedition against Aristobulus and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And How Scaurus The Roman General Raised The Siege. Concerning The Death<br> Of <b>Onias</b>. 1. After these promises had been given to Aretas <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how aretas and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ambrose/works_and_letters_of_st_ambrose/chapter_xxix_the_property_of.htm"><span class="l">The Property of Widows or of all the Faithful...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> danger to oneself. This is illustrated by the example of <b>Onias</b> the priest,<br> and of Ambrose, bishop of Ticinum. 144. Great care must <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxix the property of.htm</font><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 Sicarii Fled to Alexandria Also and what Dangers <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Many Of The Sicarii Fled To Alexandria Also And What Dangers They Were In There;<br> On Which Account That Temple Which Had Formerly Been Built By <b>Onias</b> The High <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 10 that many of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/severus/life_and_writings_of_sulpitius_severus_/chapter_xviii_for_first_of.htm"><span class="l">For, First of All, under King Seleucus, the Son of Antiochus the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> For, first of all, under king Seleucus, the son of Antiochus the great, a certain<br> man called Simon accused to the king on false charges <b>Onias</b> the priest, a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xviii for first of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/yonge/the_chosen_people/lesson_xvii_the_syrian_persecution.htm"><span class="l">The Syrian Persecution.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He tried to raise money by sending his servant, Heliodorus, to rob the temple at<br> Jerusalem <b>Onias</b>, the High Priest, and all the people, were in great distress <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_1_how_the_city.htm"><span class="l">How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> However, <b>Onias</b>, one of the high priests, got the better, and cast the sons of Tobias<br> out of the city; who fled to Antiochus, and besought him to make use of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 1 how the city.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/o/onias.htm"><span class="l"><b>Onias</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia <b>ONIAS</b>. o-ni'-as (<b>Onias</b>): There were 3<br> high priests of the name of <b>Onias</b>, and a 4th <b>Onias</b> who did <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/onias.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/menelaus.htm"><span class="l">Menelaus</span></a><br><b>...</b> la'-us (Menelaos): According to the less likely account of Josephus (Ant., XII,<br> v, 1; XV, iii, 1; XX, x, 3), Menelaus was a brother of Jason and <b>Onias</b> III, and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/menelaus.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/arius.htm"><span class="l">Arius</span></a><br><b>...</b> A king of Sparta (309-265 BC) who wrote the letter to <b>Onias</b>, the high priest,<br> given in 1 Maccabees 12:7, 20-23. There were two Spartan <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/arius.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/ir-ha-heres.htm"><span class="l">Ir-ha-heres</span></a><br><b>...</b> Jewish quarrels concerning the temple which <b>Onias</b> built in Egypt have most probably<br> been responsible for the altering of the texts of some of the early <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/ir-ha-heres.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/irhaheres.htm"><span class="l">Irhaheres</span></a><br><b>...</b> Jewish quarrels concerning the temple which <b>Onias</b> built in Egypt have most probably<br> been responsible for the altering of the texts of some of the early <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/irhaheres.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/judith.htm"><span class="l">Judith (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> to the Jews. After holding out for some days, the besieged people insisted<br> that <b>Onias</b> their governor should surrender. This he promises <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/judith.htm - 27k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/epiphanes.htm"><span class="l">Epiphanes</span></a><br><b>...</b> He was called in to settle a quarrel between <b>Onias</b> III and his brother, Jason, the<br> leader of the Hellenizing faction in Jerusalem, and <b>Onias</b> was driven out (2 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/epiphanes.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/heliodorus.htm"><span class="l">Heliodorus</span></a><br><b>...</b> of the Jewish Church, III, 287). In spite of the protest of <b>Onias</b>, the<br> high priest, Heliodorus. was proceeding to carry out his <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/heliodorus.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/desolation.htm"><span class="l">Desolation (131 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> When Antiochus Epiphanes arose to the throne, <b>Onias</b> III, as high priest, was the<br> leader of the old orthodox party in Judea; the head of the Hellenists was his <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/desolation.htm - 46k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/architecture.htm"><span class="l">Architecture</span></a><br><b>...</b> CONCLUSIONS FROM ACTUAL REMAINS 1. Defense Walls 2. Streets 3. Absence of the "Grand<br> Manner" 4. Solomonic Detail 5. Temple of <b>Onias</b> 6. Comparison with <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/architecture.htm - 28k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/first-second-Maccabees.html">What are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | 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/o/onias.htm">Onias</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/onions.htm">Onions (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/onias.htm">Onias</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/layer.htm">Layer (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leek.htm">Leek</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/root.htm">Root (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bulb.htm">Bulb (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/coat.htm">Coat (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt (596 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/o/oniares.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Oniares"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Oniares" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/o/onion.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Onion"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Onion" /></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>