What Is Hanukkah — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, John 10:22-23, sits inside John 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch."
Supporting Passages
"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."
1 Maccabees 4:52-59
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
History & Origins
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
History & Origins
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
Amos 7:14-15 Commentary
In-depth study • Calling & Obedience
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.