Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Beelzeboul, also known as Beelzebub, is a name associated with a demonic entity or the prince of demons in the New Testament. The name is often linked to Satan and is used to describe the chief adversary of God and His people. The term has its roots in ancient Near Eastern religions and is mentioned in several passages of the New Testament, where it is used to challenge the authority and power of Jesus Christ.
Etymology and Historical Background:The name Beelzeboul is believed to be derived from the Philistine god Baal-Zebub, which means "lord of the flies" (
2 Kings 1:2-3). This deity was worshiped in Ekron, a Philistine city, and was consulted for divination. Over time, the name evolved in Jewish tradition to Beelzeboul, which some scholars suggest means "lord of the dwelling" or "lord of the high place." This transformation reflects a shift from a local deity to a more generalized representation of evil.
Biblical References:Beelzeboul is mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels, where the Pharisees and scribes accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzeboul, the prince of demons. In
Matthew 12:24 , it is written, "But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, 'Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.'" Similarly, in
Mark 3:22 , the scribes claim, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and in
Luke 11:15 , it is stated, "But some of them said, 'By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, He drives out demons.'"
Theological Significance:In the New Testament, the accusation that Jesus performed miracles by the power of Beelzeboul is a significant theological point. It highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, who refused to acknowledge His divine authority. Jesus responds to these accusations by pointing out the illogical nature of their claim, stating that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (
Matthew 12:25-26). This response underscores the unity and purpose of Jesus' mission, which is in direct opposition to the works of Satan and his demonic forces.
Symbolism and Interpretation:Beelzeboul symbolizes the ultimate opposition to God's kingdom and serves as a representation of the spiritual battle between good and evil. The use of this name in the Gospels emphasizes the reality of demonic influence and the power of Jesus to overcome it. By attributing Jesus' miraculous works to Beelzeboul, the religious leaders inadvertently acknowledge the supernatural nature of His ministry, even as they attempt to discredit Him.
Conclusion:While Beelzeboul is a name that carries connotations of evil and opposition to God, the New Testament narrative ultimately demonstrates the supremacy of Christ over all demonic powers. The accusations against Jesus serve to highlight His authority and the fulfillment of His mission to bring about the kingdom of God, defeating the forces of darkness.
Greek
954.Beelzeboul -- Beelzebul, a name of Satan... 953, 954.
Beelzeboul. 955 .
... see HEBREW Ba'al Zbuwb. (
beelzeboul) -- 7
Occurrences. 953, 954.
Beelzeboul. 955 . Strong's Numbers.
Thesaurus
Beelzeboul (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Beelzeboul (7 Occurrences).
... Matthew 12:27 And if I, by
Beelzeboul, do cast out the demons, your sons -- by whom do they cast out?
...Beelzebub (7 Occurrences)
... James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) is an error (after
the Vulgate) for Beelzebul (Revised Version margin)Beelzeboul; Westcott and...
Flies (16 Occurrences)
... fly"), zebhubh (Ecclesiastes 10:1 Isaiah 7:18; Septuagint muiai, "flies"); compare
ba`al-zebhubh, "Baal-zebub" (2 Kings 1:2), andbeelzeboul, "Beelzebul," or...
Beeltethmus
Casting (54 Occurrences)
... for ye say, byBeelzeboul is my casting forth the demons. (YLT). Luke 21:1 And he
looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury....
Casts (21 Occurrences)
... Matthew 12:24 but the Pharisees having heard, said, 'This one doth not cast out
demons, except byBeelzeboul, ruler of the demons.' (See NAS RSV)....
Adversary (100 Occurrences)
... shall his kingdom be made to stand? for ye say, byBeelzeboul is my casting
forth the demons. (YLT). Luke 12:58 For when you are...
Fly (33 Occurrences)
... fly"), zebhubh (Ecclesiastes 10:1 Isaiah 7:18; Septuagint muiai, "flies"); compare
ba`al-zebhubh, "Baal-zebub" (2 Kings 1:2), andbeelzeboul, "Beelzebul," or...
Baal (94 Occurrences)
... It is met with in Assyrian inscriptions. In the New Testament the name assumes the
form of BeelzebulBeelzeboul, in King James Version: BEELZEBUB (which see)....
Resources
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