📖 Biblical Definition
Beelzebub (or Beelzebul, the Greek form) was originally the Philistine god of Ekron consulted by King Ahaziah of Israel after his fall through the lattice — "Beelzebub the god of Ekron" (2 Kings 1:2-6, 16). The Hebrew form (Baal-zebub) means "Lord of the flies"; the Greek (Baal-zebul) may mean "Lord of the dwelling" — perhaps a deliberate Jewish corruption of the Philistine title. In the Gospels the name is used by Christ’s opponents and by Christ Himself as a name for the prince of demons. The Pharisees attributed His exorcisms to "Beelzebub the prince of the devils"; Christ exposed the absurdity (Matthew 12:24-27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15-19). "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master... if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?" (Matthew 10:25).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
BE-EL'ZEBUB, n.
expand to see more
The name of an idol-god of the Ekronites. In scripture, also a name applied to Satan, the prince of demons.
📖 Key Scripture
2 Kings 1:2 — "Ahaziah... sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover."
Matthew 12:24 — "This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils."
Matthew 12:26 — "If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?"
Matthew 10:25 — "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?"
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Christ was called Beelzebub by His enemies; modern saints should not be surprised when slandered.
expand to see more
Matthew 10:25 is a sober warning: if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? The Pharisees accused Christ of demonic empowerment; modern equivalents accuse His followers of bigotry, hatred, fascism, or whatever epithet the cultural moment supplies. Christ's warning is permanent: do not expect different treatment than the Master received.
Christ's answer in Matthew 12:25-29 is also instructive. He does not deny the accusation tearfully; He demolishes it logically. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If Satan were casting out Satan, his enterprise would already be collapsing. The accusation is not just false; it is incoherent. When the world calls you Beelzebub, do not despair; do not over-defend; answer with logic, with Scripture, and with the steady deeds of the kingdom. The truth survives the slander.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Baʾal-zevub (H1176); Greek Beelzeboul (G954).
expand to see more
H1176 — Baal-zevub — Beelzebub; lord of the flies
G954 — Beelzeboul — Beelzebub
Usage
"They called the Master Beelzebub; do not expect different treatment than the Master received."
"Christ did not over-defend the slander; He answered with logic, Scripture, and steady deeds."
"A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand — the accusation was not just false but incoherent."