Tryphon
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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.

Historical Background

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.

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.

Rise to Power

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.

Connection to the Maccabean Period

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.

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.

Biblical and Historical Significance

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.

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.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Tryphon

masculine of Tryphena

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Tryphon

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."

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TRYPHON

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.)

See ANTIOCHUS; DEMETRIUS.

S. Angus

Library

Demetrius, Having Thus Obtained the Kingdom, Treated Jonathan with ...
... In the meantime, Tryphon, who had belonged to the party of Alexander, was appointed
[349] governor of Syria, to keep him in check by war. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxv demetrius having thus.htm

Manuscripts
... text). Paris, 1904. Archambault, G., Austin, Dialogue avec Tryphon (with
Greek text and commentary), 2 vols. Paris, 1909. German: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/manuscripts.htm

The Author Distinguishes the Faith from the Errors of Pagans...
... Apology, II. 6; Dialogue with Tryphon, 61. Tempora answers to the Greek
aiones, rendered "worlds" in Hebrews 1:2. [1674] Sabellius ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i the author distinguishes.htm

Epistle Catholic.
... Maurus, deacon. Alexander, deacon. Marcus, deacon. Comon, deacon. Tryphon, deacon.
Ammonius, deacon. Didymus, deacon. Ptollarion, deacon. Seras, deacon. ...
/.../ii epistle catholic.htm

Deposition of Arius.
... Alexander, Deacon. Marcus [407] , Deacon. Comon, Deacon. Tryphon [408] , Deacon.
Ammonius [409] , Deacon. Didymus, Deacon. Ptollarion [410] , Deacon. Seras, Deacon ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/deposition of arius.htm

Documents Connected with the Council of Tyre.
... Theon Presbyter, Ammonas P., Heraclius P., Boccon P., Tryphon P., Peter P., Hierax
P., Sarapion P., Marcus P., Ptollarion P., Gaius P., Dioscorus P., Demetrius ...
/.../chapter vi documents connected with the.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... Mus??us, Asterius, Paregorius, Plutarchus, Hymen??us, Athanasius, Lucius, Amantius,
Arius, Asclepius, Dionysius, Maximus, Tryphon, Alexander, Antigonus ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

The Book of Enoch
... the enemy. This is Jonathan, the son of Mattathias, [76] who, BC143, was
treacherously murdered by Tryphon in Gilead. In similiar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... accession of Herod an Idumean. Compare Justin M. (Tryphon 52, 120); Eusebius
(Demonstr. Evang. VIII. 1). On modern interpretations ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

Thesaurus
Tryphon
...TRYPHON. ... Consequently, Jonathan and Simon joined Tryphon and Antiochus VI, securing
many advantages for their country (1 Maccabees 11:54;). ...
/t/tryphon.htm - 9k

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... In the meantime, Tryphon, one of Balas' generals, set up the son of Alexander,
Antiochus, as a claimant to the throne, and secured the assistance of the ...
/d/demetrius.htm - 17k

Antiochus
... The shrewd diplomatist and skillful general, Tryphon, succeeded first in winning
over to his side the two leaders of the Jews, Jonathan and Simon, and then, by ...
/a/antiochus.htm - 17k

Maccabaeus
... Greek, being held by a Syrian garrison. See further under ASMONEANS;
LACEDAEMONIANS; TRYPHON. 4. Simon: Simon, surnamed Thassi ("the ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Asmoneans
... Profiting however by the endless cabals of the Syrian court, he soon sided with
Tryphon, the new claimant, and with the aid of his brother Simon extended the ...
/a/asmoneans.htm - 27k

Maccabees
... Greek, being held by a Syrian garrison. See further under ASMONEANS;
LACEDAEMONIANS; TRYPHON. 4. Simon: Simon, surnamed Thassi ("the ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

Simon (75 Occurrences)
... In the conflict between Tryphon and Demetrius II, Simon was appointed by Antiochus
VI "captain from the Ladder of Tyre unto the borders of Egypt" (1 Maccabees ...
/s/simon.htm - 91k

Orthosia
... or-tho-si'-a (Orthosias; the King James Version Orthosias): The city to which Tryphon
fled when he escaped from Dora, where he was besieged by Antiochus ...
/o/orthosia.htm - 6k

Imalcue
...Tryphon, who had formerly been on the side of Alexander, persuaded Imalcue to set
up the young Antiochus (Antiochus VI) against Demetrius, who had incurred the ...
/i/imalcue.htm - 6k

Tryphena (1 Occurrence)

/t/tryphena.htm - 6k

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Tryphena: A Christian Woman in Rome
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