Judas Maccabeus

1 9.9

A Jewish leader who led a revolt in Judea about 166 BC and took back Jerusalem

proper noun

: Judas Macabeo

The bravery of Judas Maccabeus is celebrated during Hanukkah traditions.

Examples

The story of Judas Maccabeus is told in the Apocryphal books.
Many historians consider Judas Maccabeus a key figure in the history of ancient Israel.
In religious studies, students read about Judas Maccabeus in the books of Maccabees.
Many Jews celebrate the victory of Judas Maccabeus during Hanukkah.
In religious studies, students read about Judas Maccabeus in the books of Maccabees.
Many historians consider Judas Maccabeus a key figure in the history of ancient Israel.
Many Jews celebrate the victory of Judas Maccabeus during Hanukkah.

Synonyms

Judas Maccabaeus

vsJudas Maccabeus

1 9.9

A Jewish leader who led a revolt against foreign rulers and took back Jerusalem

is the identical name spelled in a different way

Surface Forms

Judas Maccabeus main

Morphology

Judas + Maccabeus

This is a proper name composed of two personal names rather than lexical items whose meanings combine to form the phrase meaning. Knowing the constituents 'Judas' and 'Maccabeus' does not allow a B1 learner to infer the historical role (Jewish leader who led a revolt and recovered Jerusalem); understanding requires specific cultural/historical knowledge, so the expression is not compositionally transparent.

Etymology

Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish leader who led a revolt to take back Jerusalem and the Temple. His surname Maccabeus may come from a Hebrew word meaning 'hammer', a picture of a strong fighter, so he is remembered as a brave hero and is celebrated at Hanukkah.