Belus, Temple Of
LocationsGeographical Setting
The Temple of Belus, also known as the Etemenanki, was the principal ziggurat and religious center in ancient Babylon, dedicated to the god Marduk.
What is the meaning of Belus, Temple Of in the Bible?
The Temple of Belus denotes the Etemenanki, a massive ziggurat in Babylon dedicated to the god Marduk, who was known as Belus in Greek sources. This structure is frequently identified in classical and later traditions with the biblical Tower of Babel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that the Temple of Belus refers to the Etemenanki helps readers distinguish between the historical Mesopotamian religious architecture and the theological narrative of the Tower of Babel, providing necessary context for understanding the biblical account of human pride and divine judgment.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.