English · KJV
H1176

בַּעַל זְבוּב

Baʻal Zᵉbûwb /bah'-al zeb-oob'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom בַּעַל and זְבוּב
MeaningBaal of (the) Fly; Baal-Zebub, a special deity of the Ekronites
KJV usageBaal-zebub.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of Baʻal Zᵉbûwb — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name Baʻal Zᵉbûwb, represented by H1176, is defined as Baal of (the) Fly. It specifically refers to Baal-Zebub, a special deity of the Ekronites. This term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, confined to a single narrative.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of H1176 is found exclusively in the account of King Ahaziah of Samaria. After suffering an injury, Ahaziah sent messengers to "enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease" 2 Kings 1:2. This act of seeking a foreign deity prompted a direct response from the Lord. The prophet Elijah confronted Ahaziah's messengers with the question, "Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?" 2 Kings 1:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words are central to understanding the context of Baal-Zebub:

  • H1875 dârash (to seek or ask; specifically to worship): This verb describes the action Ahaziah attempted to perform. He sent his messengers to "enquire" of Baal-Zebub, an act condemned by God 2 Kings 1:2. The same word is used elsewhere to command the faithful to "seek" the LORD Isaiah 55:6.
  • H430 ʼĕlôhîym (gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used... of the supreme God): This term is used for both Baal-Zebub, who is called "the god of Ekron" 2 Kings 1:6, and for the God of Israel. The narrative's central challenge, "Is it not because there is no God in Israel," uses this word to create a direct and stark contrast 2 Kings 1:3.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1176 is significant, highlighting key principles through its narrative context:

  • The Sin of Idolatry: The primary lesson is the severe prohibition against seeking guidance or power from any source other than the God of Israel. Ahaziah's decision to consult Baal-Zebub is treated as a grave offense, for which he is judged 2 Kings 1:16.
  • God's Exclusive Sovereignty: The story forcefully demonstrates that the LORD is the one true God, and He is a jealous God. The narrative's conflict is not between two equal powers but between the living God and a worthless idol. The final word on Ahaziah's fate comes not from Baal-Zebub, but from the LORD 2 Kings 1:16.
  • The Act of Seeking: The verb "to enquire" H1875 is pivotal. Seeking the LORD is an act of faith and a requirement for His people Lamentations 3:25. Seeking Baal-Zebub represents a fundamental betrayal of the covenant relationship with the God of Israel.

Summary

In summary, H1176 Baʻal Zᵉbûwb represents more than just the name of a foreign deity; it serves as a powerful symbol of unfaithfulness. Its concentrated use in 2 Kings 1 provides a definitive case study on the spiritual crime of idolatry. The term starkly contrasts the impotence of false gods with the absolute sovereignty of the God of Israel, reinforcing the biblical command to seek the LORD alone.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 8 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • זְבוּב
  • בַעַל

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1875 דָּרַשׁ a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or H430 אֱלֹהִים plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article)

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

4 verses, all in 2 Kings — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.