Overview
Samaria is both a city and a regional name in Scripture. The city becomes the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, while the wider region remains significant into the New Testament period.
Key Scripture
Capital of Israel
King Omri purchases the hill of Samaria and establishes the city as his capital. It remains closely associated with the northern monarchy and with the reigns of Ahab and his successors.
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
2 Kings 17 records Samaria’s fall to Assyria and the end of the northern kingdom as an independent monarchy.
New Testament Region
By the New Testament period, Samaria refers broadly to the region between Judea and Galilee. Jesus ministers among Samaritans, and Acts records the gospel spreading into Samaria.
Research Notes
Methodology: Biblical and historical. The city and region must be distinguished carefully, and later Samaritan identity should not be read simplistically back into every Old Testament reference.