Samaria — Meaning in the Bible
The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, founded by King Omri, and later the name of the central region between Galilee and Judea.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
King Omri bought the hill of Samaria and built the city, which became the capital of Israel. Assyria captured it. 1 Kings 16:242 Kings 17:5–6
In Jesus' time Samaria lay between Galilee and Judea; Jesus passed through it and met the Samaritan woman. Acts tells how Philip preached there. John 4:3–5Acts 1:8Acts 8:5–8
Key passages
- 1 Kings 16:23–24 — Omri builds Samaria.
- 2 Kings 17:5–6 — Samaria falls.
- John 4:1–42 — Jesus in Samaria.
- Acts 8:4–25 — The good news reaches Samaria.