Numenius (Νουμήνιος, Noumēnios). Son of Antiochus. An ambassador, along with Antipater son of Jason, whom Jonathan Maccabeus sent to Rome, Sparta, and other places after his victory in the plain of Hazor (1 Macc 12:1) about 144 bc.

Their mission was to confirm and renew the friendship and treaty that had existed from the days of Judas (1 Macc 8:17). They were well received, both at Rome (1 Macc 12:3–6) and at Sparta (1 Macc 12:19–23; 14:22–25). After Simon had established peace, he sent Numenius on a second embassy to Rome (1 Macc 14:24), again to confirm the treaty and present a golden shield. This was before Simon was made high priest and permanent leader (1 Macc 14:27–45) in September, 141 bc.

The embassy returned in 139 bc, bearing letters from the senate to the kings of the surrounding countries. The letters confirmed the integrity of Jewish territory, forbade the kings to disturb the Jews, and required them to hand over to Simon any Jewish fugitives entering their countries (1 Macc 1:15–21).