Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Beelzebub is a name that appears in the New Testament and is often associated with demonic activity and the prince of demons. The name is derived from a Philistine god worshiped in the ancient city of Ekron, as mentioned in the Old Testament. Over time, Beelzebub became synonymous with Satan or a high-ranking demon in Christian theology. Etymology and Historical Background: The name Beelzebub is believed to originate from the Hebrew "Ba'al Zebub," which translates to "lord of the flies." This deity was worshiped by the Philistines, and the name may have been used derisively by the Israelites to mock the pagan god. In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, the name is rendered as "Beelzeboul," which some scholars suggest means "lord of the dwelling" or "lord of dung." Biblical References: Beelzebub is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of accusations against Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub: "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons'" (Matthew 12:24). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, the scribes claim, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "By the prince of demons He drives out demons" (Mark 3:22). In these passages, Beelzebub is equated with the prince of demons, suggesting a high-ranking position within the demonic hierarchy. Jesus responds to these accusations by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, thereby refuting the claim that He is in league with demonic forces. Theological Significance: In Christian theology, Beelzebub is often identified with Satan or considered one of his chief lieutenants. The association with demonic power and opposition to Christ underscores the spiritual battle between good and evil. The use of Beelzebub in the New Testament highlights the conflict between Jesus' divine authority and the forces of darkness. Cultural Impact: Throughout history, Beelzebub has been depicted in various works of literature and art as a symbol of evil and corruption. In John Milton's "Paradise Lost," Beelzebub is portrayed as a prominent demon, second only to Satan. The name has also been used in popular culture to represent malevolent forces or characters. Conclusion: The figure of Beelzebub serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that is a central theme in Christian doctrine. The New Testament references to Beelzebub emphasize the authority of Jesus over demonic powers and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BeelzebubSmith's Bible Dictionary Beelzebub[See BEELZEBUL] ATS Bible Dictionary Beelzebub"the prince of the devils," Matthew 12:24. This name is derived from Baal-zebub, an idol deity among the Ekronites, signifying lord of flies, fly-baal, fly-god, whose office was to protect his worshippers from the torment of the gnats and flies with which that region was infested, 2 Kings 1:2,3,16. It is also sometimes written Beel- sebul, which signifies probably the dung-god. The Jews seem to have applied this appellation to Satan, as being the author of all the pollutions and abominations of idol-worship. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Gr. form Beel'zebul), the name given to Satan, and found only in the New Testament (Matthew 10:25; 12:24, 27; Mark 3:22). It is probably the same as Baalzebub (q.v.), the god of Ekron, meaning "the lord of flies," or, as others think, "the lord of dung," or "the dung-god." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The title of a heathen deity to whom the Jews ascribed the sovereignty of the evil spirits; hence, the Devil or a devil. See Baal.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEELZEBUBbe-el'-ze-bub (in the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) is an error (after the Vulgate) for Beelzebul (Revised Version margin) Beelzeboul; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek, Beezeboul): In the time of Christ this was the current name for the chief or prince of demons, and was identified with SATAN (which see) and the DEVIL (which see). The Jews committed the unpardonable sin of ascribing Christ's work of casting out demons to Beelzebul, thus ascribing to the worst source the supreme manifestation of goodness (Matthew 10:25; Matthew 12:24, 27 Mark 3:22 Luke 11:15, 18, 19). There can be little doubt that it is the same name as BAALZEBUB (which see). It is a well-known phenomenon in the history of religions that the gods of one nation become the devils of its neighbors and enemies. When the Aryans divided into Indians and Iranians, the Devas remained gods for the Indians, but became devils (daevas) for the Iranians, while the Ahuras remained gods for the Iranians and became devils (asuras) for the Indians. Why Baalzebub became Beelzebul, why the b changed into l, is a matter of conjecture. It may have been an accident of popular pronunciation, or a conscious perversion (Beelzebul in Syriac = "lord of dung"), or Old Testament zebhubh may have been a perversion, accidental or intentional of zebhul (= "house"), so that Baalzebul meant "lord of the house." These are the chief theories offered (Cheyne in EB; Barton in Hastings, ERE). Greek 954. Beelzeboul -- Beelzebul, a name of Satan ... Beelzebub. Of Chaldee origin (by parody on Ba'al Zbuwb); dung-god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan -- Beelzebub. see HEBREW Ba'al Zbuwb. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/954.htm - 7k Library Christ and Beelzebub Of the Occasion on which it was Said to Him that He Cast Out ... Healing of the Deaf and Dumb Demoniac. --The Charge of a League ... Power Hindered. St. Ambrose Turns against the Novatians Themselves Another ... From St. Luke's Eleventh ChapterOther Evidence that Christ Comes ... Why the Pharisees Asked a Sign from Heaven. Letter Xlii. To Marcella. Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews. The Mistakes of Christ's Foes and Friends Thesaurus Beelzebub (7 Occurrences)... devil. See Baal. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEELZEBUB. be ... ERE). T. Rees. Multi-Version Concordance Beelzebub (7 Occurrences). Matthew ... /b/beelzebub.htm - 10k Devils (48 Occurrences) Spirits (129 Occurrences) Casteth (54 Occurrences) Sends (94 Occurrences) Satan (50 Occurrences) Beelzeboul (7 Occurrences) Reason (438 Occurrences) Evil (1503 Occurrences) Ruler (329 Occurrences) Resources Who was Beelzebub? | GotQuestions.orgMiscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44)? | GotQuestions.org Beelzebub: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beelzebub (7 Occurrences)Matthew 10:25 Matthew 12:24 Matthew 12:27 Mark 3:22 Luke 11:15 Luke 11:18 Luke 11:19 Subtopics Beelzebub: Messengers Sent to Inquire of, by Ahaziah Beelzebub: The Prince of Devils Related Terms |