Ἡρωδιανοί
Hērōdianoí
G2265 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Members of a group or party who supported the Herodian dynasty, especially in political matters. The term primarily designates individuals aligned with or loyal to the house of Herod, often in distinction to other political-religious groups (e.g., Pharisees or Sadducees) within the late Second Temple period. In some contexts, may refer specifically to political partisans or agents acting on behalf of Herod Antipas or his rule.
Semantic Range
Herodian supporter, member of the pro-Herod party, partisan of Herodian dynasty, political adherent of Herod
Root / Etymology
From the proper name Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs, 'Herod') with the adjectival suffix -ιανός, forming a collective or associative plural. The term thus literally means 'those of Herod' or 'Herod's party.' This is an example of a derived ethnicon or political designation; see similar formations in Greek, such as Καίσαρες (Caesarians).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word Ἡρωδιανοί occurs only in the New Testament (Mark 3:6, 12:13; Matt 22:16), referring to a group involved in political intrigue associated with Jesus' ministry. In these passages, the Ἡρωδιανοί are distinct from but sometimes allied with the Pharisees, especially in opposition to perceived threats to Herodian authority or Roman order. No extra-biblical evidence confirms the existence of the 'Herodians' as a formal political party; the term appears to denote partisans or supporters of the Herodian rule, possibly including both officials and sympathizers. Ancient sources outside the New Testament (e.g., Josephus) do not use this specific term. English translations traditionally render Ἡρωδιανοί as 'Herodians,' but this reflects the transliterated Greek rather than indicating a formal organization. The term is more accurately understood as describing inhabitants or supporters of Herodian governance, likely combining political loyalty with cultural or religious motivations connected to Herod's dynasty.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural of a derivative of Ἡρώδης; Herodians, i.e. partisans of Herod:--Herodians.
Root Family
Ἡρωδιανός (Hērōdianos) — associated with Herod, belonging to Herod’s faction, supporter of the Herodian dynasty
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2265-01 |
Ἡρῳδιανῶν | erodianon | N GEN M PL |
Herodians | of the Herodian partisans | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2265-01 |
Matthew 22:16 | Ἡρῳδιανῶν | erodianon | N GEN M PL |
of the Herodian partisans | |
G2265-01 |
Mark 3:6 | Ἡρῳδιανῶν | erodianon | N GEN M PL |
Herodians | of the Herodian partisans |
G2265-01 |
Mark 12:13 | Ἡρῳδιανῶν | erodianon | N GEN M PL |
Herodians | of the Herodian partisans |