of Hebrew origin (אִיזֶבֶל); Jezabel (i.e. Jezebel), a Tyrian woman (used as a synonym of a termagant or false teacher):--Jezabel.
Transliteration:Iezabḗl
Pronunciation:ee-ed-zab-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun G2403 (Iezabḗl) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name `{{H348}}` (אִיזֶבֶל, 'Iyzebel). While the etymology of the Hebrew name is debated, common interpretations include "where is the prince?" or, more fittingly given her character, "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband." In its primary usage, G2403 refers to the historical figure, Jezebel, the Phoenician princess and wife of King Ahab of Israel. Semantically, the term has evolved beyond a mere proper noun to embody the characteristics associated with her: a "termagant" (a violent, turbulent, or brawling woman) and, significantly in the New Testament context, a "false teacher." This dual semantic range—referring to a specific historical person and serving as a symbolic representation of spiritual and moral corruption—is crucial for understanding its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The historical narrative concerning Jezebel is extensively detailed in the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings, though the Greek G2403 appears only once in the New Testament.
In the Old Testament, Jezebel's actions profoundly impacted the spiritual landscape of Israel. As a zealous worshiper of Baal and Asherah, she actively promoted their cults in Israel, even supporting 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah at her table ([[1 Kings 18:19]]). She was instrumental in leading King Ahab into deep idolatry ([[1 Kings 16:31]]). Her character is marked by ruthless determination, as seen in her persecution of Yahweh's prophets, leading to their slaughter ([[1 Kings 18:4]]), and her unwavering opposition to Elijah ([[1 Kings 19:1-2]]). Perhaps her most infamous act was orchestrating the false accusation and murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard for Ahab, demonstrating her contempt for justice and divine law ([[1 Kings 21:1-16]]). Her violent end, as prophesied by Elijah, involved her being thrown from a window and her body devoured by dogs, a graphic testament to divine judgment ([[2 Kings 9:30-37]]).
In the New Testament, G2403 appears exclusively in [[Revelation 2:20]], within the letter from Christ to the church in Thyatira. Here, the name "Jezebel" is used symbolically, not referring to the historical queen herself, but to a woman (or possibly a faction) within the Thyatiran church. This "Jezebel" is described as one "who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols." The symbolic use clearly draws upon the historical Jezebel's character: her promotion of idolatry (Baal worship corresponds to eating food sacrificed to idols) and her leading people into spiritual and moral depravity (sexual immorality). The passage condemns her unrepentant influence and warns of severe divine judgment upon her and her followers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G2403 naturally connects to several key biblical words and theological concepts:
* **`{{H348}}` (אִיזֶבֶל, 'Iyzebel):** The direct Hebrew origin of the name, providing the historical and etymological foundation.
* **`{{H1168}}` (בַּעַל, Ba'al):** Jezebel's fervent promotion of Baal worship is central to her Old Testament narrative, highlighting the dangers of syncretism and idolatry.
* **Idolatry (`{{G1494}}` - eidolothuton, food sacrificed to idols):** A primary charge against the symbolic Jezebel in [[Revelation 2:20]], directly mirroring the historical Jezebel's promotion of false gods.
* **Fornication/Sexual Immorality (`{{G4202}}` - porneia):** Also cited in [[Revelation 2:20]], this term signifies both literal sexual sin and, often in prophetic literature, spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
* **False Prophet/False Teaching (`{{G5578}}` - pseudoprophētēs, `{{G1319}}` - didaskō):** The New Testament "Jezebel" is a "prophetess" who teaches error, connecting her to the broader biblical warnings against deceptive spiritual leadership.
* **Ahab (`{{H256}}`):** Jezebel's husband, whose reign was marked by her destructive influence.
* **Elijah (`{{H452}}`):** The prophet who directly confronted Jezebel and the prophets of Baal, representing faithful adherence to Yahweh.
* **Syncretism:** The blending of religious beliefs and practices, which Jezebel actively championed, leading to spiritual corruption in Israel.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Jezebel, both historical and symbolic, carries profound theological significance.
Firstly, she stands as a stark embodiment of **apostasy and spiritual rebellion** against the one true God. Her zealous promotion of Baal worship directly challenged Yahweh's exclusive claim to Israel's devotion, violating the first commandment ([[Exodus 20:3]]). Her actions illustrate the seductive power of idolatry and its devastating consequences for a covenant people.
Secondly, Jezebel represents **unrepentant wickedness and moral corruption**. Her manipulation, deceit, and willingness to shed innocent blood (Naboth) demonstrate a complete disregard for divine justice and human life. Her character highlights the depths of depravity that can result from a heart alienated from God.
Thirdly, her persecution of God's prophets underscores the **conflict between divine truth and human rebellion**. She actively sought to silence the voice of Yahweh, symbolizing the ongoing spiritual warfare between light and darkness.
Finally, the symbolic use of "Jezebel" in [[Revelation 2:20]] serves as a potent **warning against spiritual compromise and false teaching within the church**. Christ's condemnation of this "Jezebel" in Thyatira emphasizes that the spirit of idolatry, immorality, and spiritual seduction can persist in various forms, even within Christian communities. It underscores the necessity of vigilance, discernment, and unwavering faithfulness to sound doctrine and holy living. The divine judgment pronounced upon her in both testaments affirms God's unwavering opposition to such evil and His commitment to purity within His people.
### Summary
Jezebel, represented by G2403 (Iezabḗl), is a name that transcends its historical reference to become a powerful biblical archetype. In the Old Testament, she was the Phoenician queen who relentlessly promoted Baal worship in Israel, persecuted God's prophets, and orchestrated acts of grave injustice, leading Israel into profound spiritual and moral decay. Her narrative culminates in a dramatic divine judgment. In the New Testament, the name is used symbolically in [[Revelation 2:20]] to describe a woman or faction in the church at Thyatira who, like the historical Jezebel, was leading believers into idolatry (eating food sacrificed to idols) and sexual immorality through false teaching. Thus, G2403 signifies not merely a historical figure but a enduring symbol of spiritual apostasy, unrepentant wickedness, and the insidious dangers of false doctrine and moral compromise that threaten the purity and faithfulness of God's people.
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