of Chaldee origin (by parody on בַּעַל זְבוּב); dung-god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan:--Beelzebub.
Transliteration:Beelzeboúl
Pronunciation:beh-el-zeb-ool'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Βεελζεβούλ (G954, Beelzeboúl) is a transliteration of a Semitic name, understood in its base definition as a pejorative reference to "dung-god." Its origin is traced to a parody of the Old Testament deity בַּעַל זְבוּב (`{{H1172}}`, Ba'al Zevuv), "Baal-zebub," meaning "lord of flies," worshipped in Ekron as mentioned in [[2 Kings 1:2]]. The alteration from "zebub" (fly) to "zebul" (possibly from "zebel," dung, or "zebul," exalted dwelling/prince, but used derisively) transforms the name into a term of contempt. Thus, Beelzebul functions as a highly derogatory title, specifically applied to the chief of demons, i.e., Satan. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively denoting the principal adversary of God and humanity within the demonic hierarchy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Beelzebul appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, primarily in the context of accusations leveled against Jesus by His detractors, typically the Pharisees or scribes.
* In [[Matthew 10:25]], Jesus warns His disciples that if He, the master of the house, is called Beelzebul, they should expect similar treatment.
* The most significant occurrences are found in the passages where Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the "prince of demons":
* [[Matthew 12:24]], [[Matthew 12:27]]
* [[Mark 3:22]]
* [[Luke 11:15]], [[Luke 11:18]], [[Luke 11:19]]
In these instances, Jesus has just performed a miraculous exorcism, delivering a demon-possessed person. His opponents, unable to deny the power displayed, attribute it to the chief of demons rather than to God. Jesus refutes this illogical charge by arguing that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand; if Satan casts out Satan, his kingdom would collapse. He further challenges them by asking how their own exorcists cast out demons, implying a double standard. The accusation highlights the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of those who refused to acknowledge the divine source of Jesus' power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Beelzebul is intrinsically linked to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Baal-zebub (`{{H1172}}`):** The Old Testament precursor from which Beelzebul is derived. This connection emphasizes the continuity of Israel's struggle against idolatry and demonic influence.
* **Demon (`{{G1139}}`, daimonion):** Beelzebul is identified as the "prince" or "ruler" of these evil spirits, indicating a hierarchical structure within the realm of darkness.
* **Satan (`{{G4567}}`, Satanas):** The New Testament explicitly equates Beelzebul with Satan, the ultimate adversary. This underscores that the accusations against Jesus were, in essence, accusations against the Holy Spirit's work being attributed to Satan.
* **Kingdom of Darkness:** The concept of Beelzebul as the "prince of demons" highlights the organized opposition to God's reign, a "kingdom" arrayed against the Kingdom of God.
* **Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit:** Jesus' response to the accusation of working by Beelzebul's power leads directly to His warning about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit ([[Matthew 12:31-32]], [[Mark 3:29]], [[Luke 12:10]]). This connection is crucial, as attributing the Spirit's work to Satan is the ultimate rejection of divine truth and grace.
### Theological Significance
The identification of Beelzebul with Satan carries profound theological weight:
* **The Nature of Evil:** It reveals a biblical understanding of evil as a structured, organized force led by a powerful, malevolent entity. Satan is not merely a concept but a personal being with subordinates (demons).
* **Conflict of Kingdoms:** The encounters involving Beelzebul accentuate the cosmic battle between the Kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus, and the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' ability to cast out demons, even when attributed to Beelzebul, demonstrates His supreme authority and victory over all demonic powers. His argument that "a house divided against itself cannot stand" effectively dismantles the logic of His accusers and affirms the unified nature of His mission against evil.
* **Jesus' Divine Authority:** By casting out demons, Jesus proves His divine power and confirms His identity as the Son of God. The accusation that He does so by Beelzebul's power is the ultimate rejection of His divine authority and a misinterpretation of the source of His miracles.
* **Warning Against Spiritual Blindness:** The accusation itself serves as a stark warning against spiritual blindness and the danger of attributing the clear work of God's Spirit to the devil. It highlights the perilous state of those who, despite witnessing divine power, choose to slander its source.
### Summary
Βεελζεβούλ (G954, Beelzeboúl) is a highly derogatory name for Satan, derived from the Old Testament "Baal-zebub" (`{{H1172}}`), meaning "lord of flies," pejoratively altered to imply "lord of dung" or "prince of the dwelling" in a negative sense. This term appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels ([[Matthew 12:24]], [[Mark 3:22]], [[Luke 11:15]]) where Jesus' opponents accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the "prince of demons." Theologically, Beelzebul's identification with Satan (`{{G4567}}`) underscores the organized nature of evil and the profound conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' refutation of this accusation highlights His supreme authority over all evil powers and serves as a severe warning against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which attributes God's work to demonic forces. The use of this term emphasizes the intense spiritual warfare inherent in Jesus' ministry and the critical choice humanity faces in recognizing the source of divine power.
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