Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice
Stones from Beirut and Athens naming the royal pair who heard Paul at Caesarea
Found 1927 — Beirut Latin inscription published by René Mouterde (1927) from a building excavation; Athens statue base recorded in the 19th century (IG II² 3449; OGIS 428)
Where Beirut (Berytus); Athens (Lebanon / Greece)
Dates from c. 55–95 CE · Early Roman Imperial · Paul's hearing before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25–26)
Now at Beirut inscription: National Museum of Beirut (reported); Athens base: Epigraphic Museum, Athens
Names a biblical person Herod Agrippa II, Bernice
How Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice was found
At Beirut (Berytus), a monumental Latin text records that 'Queen Berenice' and 'King Agrippa' rebuilt a building of Herod the Great, her name coming first. At Athens, a marble base for a statue of Berenice calls her 'great queen' and daughter of 'the great king Julius Agrippa.'
What it is
Two monumental inscriptions in Latin and Greek. Other coins and stones of Agrippa II from Banias and the Golan (Hauran) give his titles and regnal years.
Why it matters for the Bible
Acts 25:13 says 'King Agrippa and Bernice' came to Caesarea to greet Festus, and Paul made his defence before them 'with great pomp.' The stones confirm that the brother and sister ruled and appeared together, that Bernice used the title queen, and that they were public benefactors in the Roman style — the pair Luke pictures listening to Paul. They do not mention Paul, but they anchor the audience of Acts 26 in solid history.
The Hebrew word: mal-KAH
מַלְכָּה
מַלְכָּה is pronounced mal-KAH and means queen (Greek basilissa) (Strong's H4436 / G938).
People this discovery connects to
- Herod Agrippa II — אַגְרִיפַּס (ah-GREE-pahs) — Greek Agrippas; Marcus Julius Agrippa
- Bernice — בֶּרְנִיקִי (ber-NEE-kee) — Greek Berenike, 'bringer of victory'
- Paul — שָׁאוּל (Shah-OOL) — asked for (Greek Paulos)
Places
- Caesarea — קֵיסָרְיָה (kay-sar-YAH) — Greek Kaisareia
Events
Paul's defence before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice
Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice in Scripture
Acts 25:13 'King Agrippa and Bernice' arrive at Caesarea — the pair named on these stones. (First mention of Agrippa.)
Acts 26:28 Agrippa's reply to Paul: 'Would you persuade me to be a Christian?'
Questions people ask
What is Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice?
Two monumental inscriptions in Latin and Greek. Other coins and stones of Agrippa II from Banias and the Golan (Hauran) give his titles and regnal years.
When was Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice discovered?
It was found in 1927 by Beirut Latin inscription published by René Mouterde (1927) from a building excavation; Athens statue base recorded in the 19th century (IG II² 3449; OGIS 428), at Beirut (Berytus); Athens.
Where is Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice today?
Beirut inscription: National Museum of Beirut (reported); Athens base: Epigraphic Museum, Athens.
Which Bible verses does Inscriptions of Agrippa II and Bernice relate to?
Acts 25:13, Acts 26:28.
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Sources
- R. Mouterde, 'Inscriptions grecques et latines de Beyrouth', Syria 8 (1927)
- Wikipedia, 'Berenice (daughter of Herod Agrippa)'
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