Boethus (family)

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

  • Simon, son of Boethus from Alexandria, was made a high priest about 25 BCE by Herod the Great, in order that his marriage with Boethus's daughter, Mariamne, might not be regarded as a mésalliance, a marriage with a person thought to be unsuitable or of a lower social position.[1]
  • Joazar, son of Boethus (4 BCE and before 6 CE), unpopular and an advocate of compliance with the Census of Quirinius[2]
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
  • Simon Cantheras, son of Boethus (41-42 CE)[4]
Jewish titles
Preceded by High Priest of Israel
41-43 CE 		Succeeded by
  • Elioneus, son of Simon Cantheras[5]
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.[7] "The house of Boethus" heads the list of the wicked and sinful priestly families enumerated by Abba.

  1. ^ Josephus, "Antiquitates", 15:9§3; 19:6§2.
  2. ^ Josephus, "Antiquitates", 18:1§1.
  3. ^ Josephus, "Antiquitates", 17:13§1
  4. ^ Josephus, "Antiquitates", 19:6§2.
  5. ^ Josephus, "Antiquitates", xix. 8, § 1.
  6. ^ Yevamot 6:4
  7. ^ Pesachim 57a; Tosefta, Menachot 12:23