What was Iturea?
Iturea was a region mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in Luke 3:1, as part of the political landscape during the time of John the Baptist’s ministry and Jesus’ early life. The name “Iturea” is derived from the Greek Ἰτουραία (Itouraia), which is thought to be linked to the descendants of Ishmael, particularly Jetur, one of Ishmael’s sons mentioned in Genesis 25:15. Thus, the term “Itureans” refers to the people descended from this line, suggesting an ethnic identity rooted in Arab tribes.
In the context of the Bible, Iturea is not a city or individual, but a territory in the region north and northeast of the Sea of Galilee. It was one of the tetrarchies governed during the early first century A.D., and the Gospel of Luke references this area when listing the rulers at the time of John’s public appearance.
“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis…”
— Luke 3:1 (NIV)
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Luke 3:1 – Iturea is mentioned as part of the jurisdiction of Philip the tetrarch, one of Herod the Great’s sons.
- Genesis 25:15 – Jetur, son of Ishmael, from whom the Itureans are traditionally thought to descend.
- 1 Chronicles 1:31 – Also mentions Jetur, confirming the genealogical link.
- 1 Maccabees 5:19-22 – The Itureans appear as enemies of the Jews during the Maccabean period. Though not part of the Protestant canon, this offers valuable historical context.
Historical Background
Iturea was a territory primarily inhabited by a Semitic people known as the Itureans. Historical sources, such as Josephus and Roman records, describe the Itureans as a tribe of warriors and hunters. The region was mountainous and covered much of Lebanon and Syria, including areas around Mount Hermon and parts of the Hauran region.
After the death of Herod the Great (circa 4 B.C.), his kingdom was divided among his sons. Philip the tetrarch was given rulership over Iturea and Trachonitis. His reign was known for being more stable and peaceful than that of his half-brothers. Philip’s governance from around 4 B.C. to A.D. 34 provided a relatively calm environment for early Gospel events in adjacent regions.
What Happened in the Bible
In Luke 3:1, Luke records a detailed list of rulers to establish a precise historical setting for the ministry of John the Baptist, who served as the forerunner to Jesus Christ. By mentioning rulers like Philip over Iturea, Luke demonstrates the global and political scope into which Jesus was born—a world dominated by Rome and fractured into localized rule.
Although Iturea itself is not a location of direct biblical events, it serves as part of the geopolitical backdrop to Jesus’ story. Understanding the power dynamics in places like Iturea helps modern readers grasp how different Roman-appointed leaders influenced the cultural and religious landscape of the time.
Meaning for Today’s Christians
Iturea may appear as a minor footnote in Scripture, but it underscores the historical accuracy of the Bible. Luke’s Gospel begins the account of John and Jesus by situating them squarely in real, verifiable history. This gives confidence to believers that the Bible is not a collection of myths but is grounded in real people, places, and times.
Furthermore, the reference to Iturea highlights how the message of repentance and salvation in Christ was not isolated to Judea or Galilee but occurred within a diverse political and ethnic setting. The Gospel was announced in a world full of different rulers, peoples, and territories—yet God’s plan unfolded seamlessly across all of them.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
Iturea’s mention reminds readers that God works through history and that Jesus came into a world shaped by many powers and cultures. The Gospel is not only a spiritual message but also a historical reality. John the Baptist’s ministry, which began during the time Philip ruled Iturea, was the divine signal that the Messiah had come.
By identifying John’s ministry with this specific timeframe, Luke aligns Jesus‘ mission with Old Testament prophecy (Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3), showing that everything happened “in the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). Thus, even obscure regions like Iturea point to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Sovereignty over Nations
Even regions like Iturea, barely mentioned in Scripture, were under God’s sovereign plan. The division of Herod’s kingdom and the rule of Philip were all part of preparing the way for the coming of Christ.
2. The Universality of the Gospel
Iturea’s inclusion alongside Judea and Galilee shows that the Gospel entered a world of ethnic and political diversity. This reflects the New Testament’s consistent message that salvation through Christ is available to all nations (Matthew 28:19).
3. Biblical Reliability and Historical Anchoring
Luke’s reference to Iturea demonstrates the Gospel writer’s concern with accuracy and chronology. Scripture does not operate in a mythological vacuum but engages with real times, places, and people.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think Luke was so careful to record the names of political leaders like Philip in his Gospel?
- How does knowing the historical and political backdrop of Jesus’ time deepen your appreciation of the Gospel?
- What does the inclusion of regions like Iturea say about the reach of God‘s redemptive plan?
- How can we as believers reflect the universal nature of the Gospel in our own communities?
- In what ways does the historical grounding of the Bible affirm your trust in its message?
Even the lesser-known regions like Iturea help reveal the providence and precision of God’s unfolding plan through history. Nothing in Scripture is random. Every name, place, and time reminds us that Jesus came into our world at the perfect moment to bring salvation to all people.