DIONYSUS . One of the various names applied to the god who is most commonly called Bacchus . It is probable that, to begin with, he was a god of vegetation in general, but as time went on he became identified with the vine exclusively. It is supposed that this specialization originated in Thrace. Later still, the worship, under Assyrian and Babylonian influence, took the form of mysteries, like that of Demeter, the goddess of bread. Mythology speaks of a triumphal journey taken by the god in India. His worship was widely disseminated over Greek lands, and it was assumed that the Jews would have no objection to it ( 2Ma 6:7; 2Ma 14:33 ). Ptolemy Philopator also attempted to force the worship of Dionysus, the god of his family, upon the Jews ( 3Ma 2:29 ).
A. Souter.