What Is Hanukkah?
What Is Hanukkah? Hanukkah is the Feast of Dedication celebrating the rededication of the Jerusalem temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Key verse: John 10:22-23 (KJV)
Hanukkah is the Feast of Dedication celebrating the rededication of the Jerusalem temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Hanukkah is the Feast of Dedication celebrating the rededication of the Jerusalem temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch." — John 10:22-23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Hanukkah — Hebrew for 'dedication' — commemorates the Maccabean revolt of 167–164 BC. The Seleucid king Antiochus IV had outlawed Judaism, erected an idol in the temple, and sacrificed a pig on the altar. A small band of Jewish warriors led by Judas Maccabeus defeated the Syrian army, cleansed the temple, and rededicated it to the LORD. According to tradition, they found only enough oil to light the temple menorah for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days. The feast lasts eight days, with the lighting of candles on a menorah. Though not one of the biblical feasts prescribed in Leviticus, Hanukkah is mentioned in the New Testament — Jesus was in Jerusalem for the 'feast of the dedication' and taught in the temple courts (John 10:22-23). Hanukkah stands as a testimony to God's preservation of His people and His faithfulness to defend His dwelling place.
Key Scripture References
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch."
"Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."
"Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month... they rose up betimes in the morning, and offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Is Passover?
Passover is the annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, when the LORD passed over homes marked by the blood of a lamb.
What Is Purim?
Purim is the annual feast celebrating God's deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot to destroy them, as recorded in the book of Esther.
What Is the Abomination of Desolation?
The abomination of desolation is a defiling act in the holy place foretold by Daniel and referenced by Jesus as a sign of the end times.
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
Deep Dive Commentary
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