Boethus (family)

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The family of Boethos (or Boethus) produced many High Priests of Israel. They may have been related to the Boethusians.

Jewish titles
Preceded by High Priest of Israel
4 BCE
Succeeded by
Preceded by High Priest of Israel
? - 6 CE
Succeeded by
Jewish titles
Preceded by High Priest of Israel
4-3 BCE
Succeeded by
Jewish titles
Preceded by High Priest of Israel
41-43 CE
Succeeded by
Jewish titles
Preceded by High Priest of Israel
43-44 CE
Succeeded by

The hatred of the Pharisees toward this high-priestly family is shown by the words of the tanna Abba Saul ben Batnit, who lived about the year 40 CE at Jerusalem. [13] "The house of Boethus" heads the list of the wicked and sinful priestly families enumerated by Abba.

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There was one Simon, a citizen of Jerusalem, the son of one Boethus, a citizen of Alexandria, and a priest of great note there; this man had a daughter, who was esteemed the most beautiful woman of that time; and when the people of Jerusalem began to speak much in her commendation, it happened that Herod was much affected with what was said of her; and when he saw the damsel, he was smitten with her beauty, yet did he entirely reject the thoughts of using his authority to abuse her, as believing, what was the truth, that by so doing he should be stigmatized for violence and tyranny; so he thought it best to take the damsel to wife. And while Simon was of a dignity too inferior to be allied to him, but still too considerable to be despised, he governed his inclinations after the most prudent manner, by augmenting the dignity of the family, and making them more honourable; so he immediately deprived Jesus, the son of Phabet, of the high priesthood, and conferred that dignity on Simon, and so joined in affinity with him [by marrying his daughter].

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References

  1. "Simon ben Boethus, High Priest". geni_family_tree. 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  2. Josephus, "Antiquitates", 15:9§3; 19:6§2.
  3. "Joazer Boethus, Sadducee High Priest". geni_family_tree. 2022-04-30. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  4. Josephus, "Antiquitates", 18:1§1.
  5. "Eleazar Boethus, Sadducee High Priest". geni_family_tree. 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  6. Josephus, "Antiquitates", 17:13§1
  7. "Simon Cantharus, Sadducee High Priest". geni_family_tree. 2016-11-30. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  8. Josephus, "Antiquitates", 19:6§2.
  9. Josephus, "Antiquitates", xix. 8, § 1.
  10. "Elioneus Cantharus, Sadducee High Priest". geni_family_tree. 2015-02-22. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  11. "Martha daughter of Boethus". geni_family_tree. 2023-04-03. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
  12. Yevamot 6:4
  13. Pesachim 57a; Tosefta, Menachot 12:23