Pronunciation Guide: ah-RET-as (ἀ-ρέ-τας)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G702: Aretas was the dynastic title of several kings of the Nabataean kingdom, specifically referring in the New Testament to Aretas IV Philopatris who ruled from 9 BCE to 40 CE. This particular Aretas was the father-in-law of Herod Antipas and controlled Damascus during Paul’s early ministry period.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Of Nabataean/Arabic origin
• Used in historical narrative contexts
• Appears in personal/political references
• Hellenized form of the Arabic name “Harithath”

Ἀρέτας Morphology:

• Ἀρέτας (nominative singular) – Aretas
• Ἀρέτα (genitive singular) – of Aretas
• Ἀρέτᾳ (dative singular) – to/for Aretas

Origin & History

The name Ἀρέτας represents the Greek adaptation of the Arabic name “Harithath” or “al-Harith,” meaning “the plowman” or “cultivator.” This title was held by several Nabataean kings, with four major rulers bearing this name before the New Testament era. Josephus, in his “Antiquities of the Jews” (18.5.1), provides detailed accounts of Aretas IV’s reign and his political conflicts with Herod Antipas.

The historical significance of this name extends beyond biblical literature, appearing in various ancient sources including Nabataean inscriptions from Petra and other archaeological sites throughout the ancient Near East. The Nabataean kingdom, with its capital at Petra, was a major power in the region, controlling important trade routes and maintaining sophisticated diplomatic relations with both Rome and Parthia.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Royal title of Nabataean kings
• Personal name of specific Arabian ruler
• Symbol of Nabataean authority

Ἀρέτας Translation Options:

• Aretas (transliteration) – Most appropriate for maintaining historical accuracy
• King Aretas – When emphasizing royal status
• The Arabian King – When contextualizing for modern readers

Biblical Usage

Ἀρέτας appears in a crucial narrative concerning Paul’s early ministry and escape from Damascus. This reference provides important historical context for dating Paul’s conversion and early ministry activities. The mention of Aretas’s ethnarch controlling Damascus offers valuable chronological markers for New Testament events and confirms the extensive influence of the Nabataean kingdom in the first century CE.

The single biblical reference carries significant historical weight:

• “In Damascus, the ethnarch under [Ἀρέτας] the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me” 2 Corinthians 11:32

Cultural Insights

The presence of an ethnarch (governor) of Aretas IV in Damascus reveals the complex political landscape of first-century Syria. Damascus, though technically part of the Roman province of Syria, experienced periods of Nabataean control or influence. This arrangement demonstrates the delicate balance of power between Rome and its client kingdoms, where local rulers maintained significant autonomy while acknowledging Roman supremacy.

The Nabataean kingdom under Aretas IV reached its zenith of power and cultural influence. Their control of major trade routes, sophisticated water management systems, and diplomatic relationships with surrounding powers made them a crucial player in the region’s politics and economics. This context helps us understand why Paul’s escape from Damascus was such a significant event, involving high-level political authorities.

Theological Significance

The appearance of Ἀρέτας in Paul’s testimony serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over earthly powers. Just as the mighty Nabataean king’s forces couldn’t prevent Paul’s escape, no earthly authority can thwart God’s plans for His people. This account demonstrates how God uses even political circumstances to advance His kingdom purposes.

The historical specificity of naming Aretas also adds credibility to the biblical narrative, anchoring the events of early church history in verifiable historical context. This intersection of sacred and secular history reminds us that our faith is grounded in real historical events, not mere mythology.

Personal Application

When facing opposition from powerful authorities or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can draw encouragement from Paul’s experience under Aretas’s jurisdiction. Just as God provided a way of escape for Paul, He remains faithful to His children today, working through both miraculous interventions and human assistance to accomplish His purposes.

The presence of such specific historical details in Scripture should strengthen our faith, reminding us that our God acts in real time and space, using actual historical circumstances to advance His kingdom purposes.

Related Words

• ἐθνάρχης (ethnarchēs) – “ethnarch/governor” – closely associated with Aretas in the biblical narrative, denoting his appointed official See G1481
• βασιλεύς (basileus) – “king” – describes Aretas’s royal status See G935
• Δαμασκηνός (Damaskēnos) – “Damascene” – refers to the city under Aretas’s control See G1153

Did you Know?

• The Nabataean kingdom under Aretas IV minted its own coins, many of which have been discovered by archaeologists, bearing his image and Greek inscriptions – a testament to the multicultural nature of the ancient Near East.
• The famous city of Petra, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, reached its architectural peak during Aretas IV’s reign, with many of its most impressive monuments dating to this period.
• Aretas IV’s daughter’s marriage to Herod Antipas and subsequent divorce sparked a major political crisis that had ramifications for John the Baptist’s ministry and eventual martyrdom.

Remember This

Ἀρέτας stands as a testament to how God weaves the threads of secular history into His divine narrative, using even powerful foreign kings to accomplish His purposes in the lives of His people.