Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the depth and context of the scriptures. The Greek word Ἰεζάβελ (Iezabel), translated as “Jezebel,” is particularly significant due to its strong association with idolatry, manipulation, and rebellion against God. The name Jezebel appears in both the Old Testament, referring to a notorious queen of Israel, and the New Testament, symbolically representing a corrupting influence within the early church. Exploring this word helps us understand the broader narrative of spiritual infidelity and the challenges faced by the early Christian communities.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Ἰεζάβελ, transliterated as Iezabel [ee-eh-ZAH-bel].
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew name אִיזֶבֶל (’Izevel), meaning “Baal exalts,” “unhusbanded,” or “without cohabitation.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun, feminine.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Jezebel: Refers to a historical and symbolic figure known for leading Israel into idolatry and opposing the prophets of Yahweh.
- Symbol of Corruption: In the New Testament, Ἰεζάβελ symbolizes a corrupting influence within the church, advocating for idolatry and immorality.
Similar Words: Ἰεζάβελ is closely related to words describing idolatry, rebellion, and spiritual corruption. Another related Greek word is ἀποστασία (apostasia), meaning “rebellion” or “defection,” which similarly carries the idea of turning away from the true faith.
Further Insights: Ἰεζάβελ is a proper noun and does not have a declension pattern like regular nouns. It appears in both historical narratives (as in the Old Testament) and metaphorical contexts (as in the New Testament). The word carries a significant negative connotation, often used to describe anyone perceived as corrupting or leading others astray from true worship.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The lexicon defines Ἰεζάβελ as the wife of Ahab, who promoted Baal worship in Israel, becoming synonymous with idolatry and apostasy. In Revelation 2:20, it is used symbolically to refer to a woman in the church at Thyatira who misled believers into immorality and idolatry.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the figurative use of Ἰεζάβελ in the New Testament, indicating a person leading others into error and sin. It points out her infamous role in the Old Testament as a queen who caused Israel to stray from worshiping Yahweh.
Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary highlights that Ἰεζάβελ is often used metaphorically to indicate a spirit of rebellion against divine authority. The entry focuses on her role in the early Christian context, representing a false prophetess who seduced believers.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a more general definition of Ἰεζάβελ as “Jezebel,” noting its Biblical associations with wickedness, idolatry, and deception. It emphasizes its usage as a symbol of moral and spiritual corruption.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἰεζάβελ (G2403) as a reference to the wife of Ahab in the Old Testament and the symbolic figure in Revelation who leads the church into sin.
Related Scripture References
- Revelation 2:20: “But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel [Ἰεζάβελ], who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.”
Classical Usage
The word Ἰεζάβελ does not appear in classical Greek literature but is found in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible). Here are examples from the Septuagint:
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | 1 Kings 16:31 | “And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam… he took to wife Jezebel (Ἰεζάβελ) the daughter of Ethbaal.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Kings 21:25 | “But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel (Ἰεζάβελ) his wife stirred up.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Kings 9:22 | “And when Joram saw Jehu, he said, ‘Is it peace, Jehu?’ And he answered, ‘What peace, so long as the harlotries of thy mother Jezebel (Ἰεζάβελ) and her witchcrafts are so many?’” |
Summary of Ἰεζάβελ (G2403)
The Greek word Ἰεζάβελ (Iezabel), meaning “Jezebel,” is loaded with negative connotations and historical significance. It symbolizes rebellion against God, idolatry, and moral corruption, stemming from the notorious figure of Queen Jezebel in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, it represents a corrupting influence within the early church, urging believers to stray from true worship. This word provides profound insights into the Biblical portrayal of spiritual fidelity and the dangers of deviating from divine teachings.
Did You Know?
- Did You Know? Jezebel’s name has been used throughout history as a byword for a morally corrupt woman who leads others astray.
- Did You Know? The Hebrew root of Jezebel, אִיזֶבֶל (’Izevel), can also be translated as “without cohabitation,” indicating someone who rejects traditional relationships or authority.
- Did You Know? The fate of Jezebel, as described in 2 Kings 9:30-37, where she is thrown from a window and eaten by dogs, became a potent symbol of divine justice against idolatry and rebellion.
This comprehensive overview of Ἰεζάβελ (Iezabel) offers a detailed understanding of its use, significance, and implications within Biblical texts, serving as a bridge between ancient narratives and contemporary interpretations.
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