Beelzebub
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Beelzebub in the Bible?
Beelzebul, derived from a Philistine deity name meaning 'Lord of the Fly' or 'Lord of the High Place,' was adopted in Jewish tradition as a title for the chief of demons, serving as the specific entity to whom Jesus' critics attributed his exorcisms.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Beelzebul clarifies the intensity of the conflict between Jesus and religious authorities, revealing that the accusation of demonic alliance was a serious charge implying Jesus was empowered by the ultimate source of evil rather than God.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Beelzebub. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Beelzebub in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beelzebub clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Beelzebub." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/beelzebub/