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H348 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אִיזֶבֶל
Izevel
Proper noun, feminine
Jezebel

Definition

The Hebrew name Izevel (Jezebel) is the name of the Phoenician princess who became the wife of King Ahab of Israel. The name likely derives from Baal-related elements meaning 'where is the prince?' or 'Baal is the husband/prince.' She became notorious for her promotion of Baal worship and persecution of God's prophets.

Usage & Theological Significance

Izevel stands as one of Scripture's most powerful symbols of idolatry, corruption, and spiritual adultery. As queen, she attempted to replace the worship of YHWH with Baal worship, killing God's prophets and inciting Ahab to greater wickedness. Her confrontation with Elijah, orchestration of Naboth's judicial murder, and defiant death (2 Kings 9) are pivotal Old Testament narratives. The New Testament book of Revelation uses 'Jezebel' symbolically for false teaching within the church (Revelation 2:20), making her name a lasting theological warning against spiritual corruption.

Key Bible Verses

1 Kings 16:31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians.
1 Kings 18:4 While Jezebel was killing off the LORD's prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves.
1 Kings 21:7 Jezebel his wife said, 'Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth.'
2 Kings 9:30 Then Jehu went to Jezreel. When Jezebel heard about it, she put on eye makeup, arranged her hair and looked out of a window.
Revelation 2:20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet.

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