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G896 · Greek · New Testament
Βάαλ
Baal
Proper Noun (divine name, masculine)
Baal; lord; Canaanite deity

Definition

Baal (Βάαλ) is the Greek transliteration of Hebrew Baal (H1168), meaning "lord, master, owner." In the NT it appears once in Romans 11:4, where Paul quotes 1 Kings 19:18: God's word to Elijah that He had preserved 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul's citation of the Baal apostasy in Romans 11 makes a decisive argument about God's faithfulness to Israel. Just as Elijah thought he was the last faithful Israelite but was wrong — God had a hidden remnant — so in Paul's day, Israel's widespread rejection of the gospel did not mean God had abandoned His people. God always preserves a remnant. The Baal worship crisis was the theological low point of OT Israel; yet God's sovereign grace preserved His people. Similarly, rejection of Christ by many in Israel does not nullify God's covenant faithfulness.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 11:4 I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.
1 Kings 18:21 How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel — all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal.
Romans 11:5 At the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
Zephaniah 1:4 I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place.

Related Words

External Resources

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