Aretas

Aretas is the Greek form of an Aramaic name, appearing in English via the Latin and Greek traditions. The name's underlying Aramaic root has no known meaning. It is best known as the name of four Nabataean kings of Petra (in present-day Jordan), the most prominent being Aretas IV (9 BC–AD 40), a great builder and patron of Petra under whom the kingdom flourished. Aretas IV is mentioned briefly in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 11:32), where a governor under Aretas tried to arrest the apostle Paul in Damascus.

Etymology

Aretas derives from Ancient Greek Ἀρέτας (Arétas), itself borrowed from Latin Aretas, which in turn comes from an Aramaic original. The Aramaic name's meaning is unknown but it likely holds royal or theophoric significance among the Nabataeans, given its repeated use by their kings.

Historical Context

The Nabataean Kingdom, centered at Petra, controlled the incense trade route. Aretas I (c. 168 BC) is the earliest known king, while Aretas III (1st century BC) was the first to rule from Damascus. Aretas IV (‘Ḥārīṯāt) struck coins bearing his portrait and titles such as ‘Friend of his People’. After the death of Aretas IV, the Nabataean kingdom was eventually annexed by Rome in AD 106 under Emperor Trajan. The name thus evokes the region's Hellenistic and Roman-era history.

Notable Bearers

• Aretas I (2nd century BC) – first known Nabataean king, mentioned in 2 Maccabees.
• Aretas III – conquered Damascus and set up a mint.
• Aretas IV Philopatris (9 BC–AD 40) – ruler during Paul's escape from Damascus.

Biblical Significance

In 2 Corinthians 11:32–33, Paul recounts that the governor under King Aretas guarded Damascus to capture him, but he escaped through a city wall in a basket. This historical notice provides a synchronic clue for dating Paul's ministry.