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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: Tryphon</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/tryphon.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><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/t/tryphon.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> > Tryphon</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/naves/t/tryphena--a_christian_woman_in_rome.htm" title="Tryphena: A Christian Woman in Rome">◄</a> Tryphon <a href="/topical/t/tryphosa.htm" title="Tryphosa">►</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="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <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>Tryphon, also known as Diodotus Tryphon, was a significant figure in the Hellenistic period, particularly in the history of the Seleucid Empire. His actions and influence are indirectly related to the historical context of the intertestamental period, which is the time between the Old and New Testaments. Although Tryphon is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his impact is felt in the historical backdrop against which some of the events of the Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean dynasty unfolded.<br><br><b>Historical Background</b><br><br>Tryphon was originally a military leader and a usurper who rose to power during a tumultuous period in the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid Empire, one of the successor states of Alexander the Great's empire, controlled a vast region that included parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Israel. The empire was often plagued by internal strife and external threats, leading to frequent changes in leadership.<br><br>Tryphon first appears in historical records as a supporter of Alexander Balas, a pretender to the Seleucid throne. After Alexander's defeat, Tryphon took advantage of the political instability to further his own ambitions. He became the guardian of Antiochus VI Dionysus, a young heir to the throne, and used this position to gain control over parts of the empire.<br><br><b>Rise to Power</b><br><br>Tryphon's ambition eventually led him to declare himself king, effectively usurping the throne from the legitimate Seleucid line. His reign was marked by conflict and attempts to consolidate power. He faced opposition from other claimants to the throne, including Demetrius II Nicator, whom he initially supported before turning against him.<br><br><b>Connection to the Maccabean Period</b><br><br>The period of Tryphon's rise to power coincides with the Maccabean Revolt, a significant Jewish uprising against Seleucid rule. The revolt was sparked by the oppressive policies of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who sought to Hellenize the Jewish population and suppress their religious practices. The Maccabees, led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, successfully resisted these efforts and established the Hasmonean dynasty.<br><br>Tryphon's actions indirectly influenced the political landscape in which the Maccabees operated. His usurpation and the resulting instability in the Seleucid Empire provided the Hasmoneans with opportunities to expand their influence and secure greater autonomy for Judea.<br><br><b>Biblical and Historical Significance</b><br><br>While Tryphon is not mentioned in the Bible, his role in the broader historical context of the intertestamental period is significant. The events of this time laid the groundwork for the political and religious environment encountered by Jesus and the early Christians. The Maccabean Revolt, in particular, is celebrated in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>The Berean Standard Bible does not contain direct references to Tryphon, as his account is primarily found in historical sources such as the writings of Josephus and the books of the Maccabees, which are part of the Apocrypha. However, understanding figures like Tryphon helps illuminate the complex historical and cultural backdrop of the biblical narrative, providing insight into the challenges faced by the Jewish people during this era.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Tryphon</span><p>masculine of Tryphena<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Tryphon</span><p>A usurper of the Syrian throne. His proper name was Diodotus, and the surname Tryphon was given to him or adopted by him after his secession to power. He was a native of Cariana. 1 Macc. 11:39, 12:39-50, etc. "Tryphon, by treason and successive wars, gained supreme power, killed Antiochus and assumed the throne. "The coins bear his head as Antiochus and Trypho."<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">TRYPHON</span><p>tri'-fon (Truphon): The surname of Diodotus, a usurper of the Syrian throne. He was a native of Apamea, and had been in the service of Alexander Balas. On the death of Balas (145 B.C.), Tryphon, taking advantage of the complaints of discontent among the troops of Demetrius II (Nicator), set up the younger son of Balas, Antiochus VI, as claimant to the throne against Demetrius (1 Maccabees 11:39). The Jews under Jonathan came to the assistance of Demetrius in his difficulties against his revolting subjects. But Demetrius, when confirmed on his throne, soon made it apparent that he did not intend to fulfill his promises to his Jewish allies (1 Maccabees 11:53). Consequently, Jonathan and Simon joined Tryphon and Antiochus VI, securing many advantages for their country (1 Maccabees 11:54;). Jonathan inflicted a severe defeat on the forces of Demetrius. The successes of the Jewish leaders awakened the jealousy and suspicion of Tryphon, who determined to thwart the further plans of Jonathan and to remove him as an obstacle in the way of his securing the crown for himself. By an act of shrewd treachery, Tryphon captured Jonathan at Ptolemais and butchered all his followers (1 Maccabees 12:48). Simon, brother of Jonathan, now undertook the conduct of affairs and thwarted Tryphon in his attempts upon Jerusalem, whereupon the latter murdered Jonathan at Bascama (1 Maccabees 13:1;) in 143 B.C. Tryphon next murdered the young Antiochus VI (1 Maccabees 13:31) and claimed the throne of Syria for himself (143 B.C.) (but see the chronology as given in Schurer, HJP, 4th edition, I, 172). Simon now went over to the side of Demetrius on condition that Judea should be free from tribute to Syria-a privilege that was rather in the power of Tryphon than of Demetrius to give, and so "in the 170th year (143 B.C.) was the yoke of the heathen taken away from Israel" (1 Maccabees 13:41). In 138 B.C. Demetrius was captured by Mithridates I (Arsaces), king of Parthia (1 Maccabees 14:2). His brother, Antiochus VII (Sidetes), continued the struggle against Tryphon, first with the aid of Simon, but later repudiating it. Tryphon was obliged to flee before Sidetes to Dor (1 Maccabees 15:11), where Antiochus refused the assistance of Simon (1 Maccabees 15:26). He next escaped to Ptolemais, then to Orthosia, and finally to his native Apamea, where he was driven to suicide (Josephus, Ant, XIII, vii, 2; Strabo, 668; Appian, Syriac, 68). (The best account is given in Schurer, 4th edition, I, 172;; compare also Speaker's Commentary in the place cited.)<br><br>See <a href="../a/antiochus.htm">ANTIOCHUS</a>; <a href="../d/demetrius.htm">DEMETRIUS</a>.<br><br>S. Angus<p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/severus/life_and_writings_of_sulpitius_severus_/chapter_xxv_demetrius_having_thus.htm"><span class="l">Demetrius, Having Thus Obtained the Kingdom, Treated Jonathan with <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> In the meantime, <b>Tryphon</b>, who had belonged to the party of Alexander, was appointed<br> [349] governor of Syria, to keep him in check by war. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxv demetrius having thus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/richardson/early_christian_fathers/manuscripts.htm"><span class="l">Manuscripts</span></a> <br><b>...</b> text). Paris, 1904. Archambault, G., Austin, Dialogue avec <b>Tryphon</b> (with<br> Greek text and commentary), 2 vols. Paris, 1909. German: <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/manuscripts.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ambrose/works_and_letters_of_st_ambrose/chapter_i_the_author_distinguishes.htm"><span class="l">The Author Distinguishes the Faith from the Errors of Pagans...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Apology, II. 6; Dialogue with <b>Tryphon</b>, 61. Tempora answers to the Greek<br> aiones, rendered "worlds" in Hebrews 1:2. [1674] Sabellius <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i the author distinguishes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/alexander/epistles_on_the_arian_heresy_and_the_deposition_of_arius/ii_epistle_catholic.htm"><span class="l">Epistle Catholic.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Maurus, deacon. Alexander, deacon. Marcus, deacon. Comon, deacon. <b>Tryphon</b>, deacon.<br> Ammonius, deacon. Didymus, deacon. Ptollarion, deacon. Seras, deacon. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ii epistle catholic.htm</font><p><a href="/library/athanasius/select_works_and_letters_or_athanasius/deposition_of_arius.htm"><span class="l">Deposition of Arius.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Alexander, Deacon. Marcus [407] , Deacon. Comon, Deacon. <b>Tryphon</b> [408] , Deacon.<br> Ammonius [409] , Deacon. Didymus, Deacon. Ptollarion [410] , Deacon. Seras, Deacon <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/deposition of arius.htm</font><p><a href="/library/athanasius/select_works_and_letters_or_athanasius/chapter_vi_documents_connected_with_the.htm"><span class="l">Documents Connected with the Council of Tyre.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Theon Presbyter, Ammonas P., Heraclius P., Boccon P., <b>Tryphon</b> P., Peter P., Hierax<br> P., Sarapion P., Marcus P., Ptollarion P., Gaius P., Dioscorus P., Demetrius <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter vi documents connected with the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/athanasius/select_works_and_letters_or_athanasius/chapter_iii_letters_of_the_council.htm"><span class="l">Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Mus??us, Asterius, Paregorius, Plutarchus, Hymen??us, Athanasius, Lucius, Amantius,<br> Arius, Asclepius, Dionysius, Maximus, <b>Tryphon</b>, Alexander, Antigonus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm</font><p><a href="/library/deane/pseudepigrapha/the_book_of_enoch.htm"><span class="l">The Book of Enoch</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the enemy. This is Jonathan, the son of Mattathias, [76] who, BC143, was<br> treacherously murdered by <b>Tryphon</b> in Gilead. In similiar <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cyril/lectures_of_s_cyril_of_jerusalem/lecture_xii_on_the_words.htm"><span class="l">On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> accession of Herod an Idumean. Compare Justin M. (<b>Tryphon</b> 52, 120); Eusebius<br> (Demonstr. Evang. VIII. 1). On modern interpretations <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/t/tryphon.htm"><span class="l"><b>Tryphon</b></span></a><br><b>...</b><b>TRYPHON</b>. <b>...</b> Consequently, Jonathan and Simon joined <b>Tryphon</b> and Antiochus VI, securing<br> many advantages for their country (1 Maccabees 11:54;). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tryphon.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/demetrius.htm"><span class="l">Demetrius (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> In the meantime, <b>Tryphon</b>, one of Balas' generals, set up the son of Alexander,<br> Antiochus, as a claimant to the throne, and secured the assistance of the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/demetrius.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/antiochus.htm"><span class="l">Antiochus</span></a><br><b>...</b> The shrewd diplomatist and skillful general, <b>Tryphon</b>, succeeded first in winning<br> over to his side the two leaders of the Jews, Jonathan and Simon, and then, by <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/antiochus.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/maccabaeus.htm"><span class="l">Maccabaeus</span></a><br><b>...</b> Greek, being held by a Syrian garrison. See further under ASMONEANS;<br> LACEDAEMONIANS; <b>TRYPHON</b>. 4. Simon: Simon, surnamed Thassi ("the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/asmoneans.htm"><span class="l">Asmoneans</span></a><br><b>...</b> Profiting however by the endless cabals of the Syrian court, he soon sided with<br><b>Tryphon</b>, the new claimant, and with the aid of his brother Simon extended the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/asmoneans.htm - 27k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/maccabees.htm"><span class="l">Maccabees</span></a><br><b>...</b> Greek, being held by a Syrian garrison. See further under ASMONEANS;<br> LACEDAEMONIANS; <b>TRYPHON</b>. 4. Simon: Simon, surnamed Thassi ("the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/maccabees.htm - 52k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/simon.htm"><span class="l">Simon (75 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> In the conflict between <b>Tryphon</b> and Demetrius II, Simon was appointed by Antiochus<br> VI "captain from the Ladder of Tyre unto the borders of Egypt" (1 Maccabees <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/simon.htm - 91k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/orthosia.htm"><span class="l">Orthosia</span></a><br><b>...</b> or-tho-si'-a (Orthosias; the King James Version Orthosias): The city to which <b>Tryphon</b><br> fled when he escaped from Dora, where he was besieged by Antiochus <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/orthosia.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/imalcue.htm"><span class="l">Imalcue</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Tryphon</b>, who had formerly been on the side of Alexander, persuaded Imalcue to set<br> up the young Antiochus (Antiochus VI) against Demetrius, who had incurred the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/imalcue.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tryphena.htm"><span class="l">Tryphena (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tryphena.htm - 6k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><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/t/tryphon.htm">Tryphon</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tryphaena.htm">Tryphaena (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tryphena.htm">Tryphena (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trypho'sa.htm">Trypho'sa (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tryphon.htm">Tryphon</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/labor.htm">Labor (181 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/labored.htm">Labored (35 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/labour.htm">Labour (119 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/laboured.htm">Laboured (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/labouring.htm">Labouring (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/greetings.htm">Greetings (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/greet.htm">Greet (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/workers.htm">Workers (76 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worked.htm">Worked (145 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tryphae'na.htm">Tryphae'na (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/persis.htm">Persis (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/salute.htm">Salute (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strenuously.htm">Strenuously (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dear.htm">Dear (120 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beloved.htm">Beloved (117 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/friend.htm">Friend (139 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/christian.htm">Christian (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/women.htm">Women (328 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/love.htm">Love (703 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord's.htm">Lord's (548 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/t/tryphena--a_christian_woman_in_rome.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Tryphena: A Christian Woman in Rome"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Tryphena: A Christian Woman in Rome" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/tryphosa.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Tryphosa"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Tryphosa" /></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>