Beelzebub

Beelzebub is a name derived from the Philistine god Baʿal Zevuv, meaning “lord of flies,” as attested in the Hebrew Bible (2 Kings 1:2–3). The spelling “Beelzebub” comes from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Old Testament, and it appears in many older English translations, while the Greek New Testament uses the form Beelzeboul (Βεελζεβούλ). The name is likely a derogatory alteration of Baʿal Zevul, “Baal of the exalted house,” intended to mock the Philistine deity by associating him with flies and filth.

In the Hebrew Bible, Beelzebub is the god of the Philistine city of Ekron, whom King Ahaziah of Israel consults after an injury, prompting divine condemnation. By the time of the New Testament, the name had evolved into a title for the prince of demons (Matthew 12:24–27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15–19). Jesus is accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by Beelzebub, an accusation he refutes, asserting that his exorcisms are performed by the Spirit of God.

Christian Demonology

In later Christian tradition, Beelzebub is identified as a powerful demon or fallen angel. He appears as Satan's chief lieutenant in John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost (1667), where he is second only to Satan in rank and eloquence. In medieval and early modern demonology, Beelzebub is associated with the deadly sins of gluttony and envy. The Dictionnaire Infernal (1818) describes him as flying through the air, earning the epithet “Lord of the Flies.” He is also listed as one of the seven princes of Hell in texts such as Peter Binsfeld's classification.

Cultural Significance

Beelzebub’s influence extends into modern literature. William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies (1954) uses the English translation of the name to evoke demonic chaos and the struggle between civilization and savagery. The name has also appeared in various films, music, and popular culture as a byword for evil or corruption.

The spelling “Beelzebul” is increasingly adopted in modern English translations of the New Testament, reflecting the Greek original. Variant forms include Baal-Zebub and the Hebrew Baʿal Zevuv.

• Meaning: “Lord of flies”
• Origin: Hebrew Baʿal Zevuv
• Type: Given name (primarily in biblical contexts)
• Usage Regions: English Bible, Latin Bible