Samaria

Samaria

RegionOld Testament & New Testament
32.2747°N, 35.1917°E View on Map

Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Historical Timeline

King Omri purchases the hill of Samaria and builds it as the new capital of the Northern Kingdom

1KI 16:24

King Ahab builds a temple to Baal in Samaria, leading Israel into widespread idolatry

1KI 16:32-33

Elisha performs miracles in and around Samaria, including the healing of Naaman the Syrian

2KI 5:1-14

Samaria falls to the Assyrians after a three-year siege; the Northern Kingdom ends

2KI 17:5-6

Assyria resettles foreign peoples in Samaria, creating the mixed population that becomes the Samaritans

2KI 17:24-41

Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well near Sychar

JHN 4:1-42

Philip the Evangelist preaches in Samaria with great success; many believe and are baptized

ACT 8:5-13

Notable Characters

Elijah
ElijahProphet who opposed the idolatry promoted from Samaria
Elisha
ElishaProphet who performed miracles in Samaria and surrounding region
Philip
PhilipEvangelist who brought the gospel to Samaria

Related Locations

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Rival capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah

Mount Gerizim
Mount Gerizim

Sacred mountain of the Samaritans, their place of worship

Key Verses

1 Kings 16:23-24John 4:1-42Luke 10:25-37

Frequently Asked Questions

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