Maccabean

American  

[mak-uh-bee-uhn] / ˌmæk əˈbi ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Maccabees or Judas Maccabaeus.

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Maccabean British  

/ ˌmækəˈbiːən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Maccabees or to Judas Maccabaeus, the Jewish leader of a revolt (166–161 _bc ) against Seleucid oppression

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Etymology

Origin of Maccabean

First recorded in 1815–25; Maccabe(es) + -an

Example Sentences

Jesus refused to be the nationalistic leader many Jews wanted, as they demonstrated when they waved palm branches—a symbol of the previously successful Maccabean Revolt—at his entry into Jerusalem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

According to National Geographic, the Talmud, a Jewish holy text, states that Hanukkah acknowledges the Maccabean revolt the Hebrews led against the Hellenistic influence that was being imposed by Greco-Syrian Seleucid rulers.

From Fox News • Nov. 28, 2021

The Maccabean memory also fueled the messianic hopes of Rabbi Akiva and his followers, who backed the quixotic revolt of the warrior Shimon Bar Kochba, which Rome bloodily smashed in 135.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2013

Memory of the Maccabean era of war and autonomy inspired the Jewish zealots of 67 to 73 C.E. who led the costly losing struggle against Rome that led to the destruction of Jerusalem.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2013

The sun shone over the broad plains, and as David's train carried him towards Milovka, his heart swelled with thoughts of the Maccabean deeds to be wrought there by a regenerated Young Israel.

From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel