Who was Beelzebul?

Beelzebul (also spelled Beelzebub in some translations) is a name used in the New Testament to refer to a demonic figure, often associated with Satan himself. The name likely derives from the Hebrew Ba‘al-zebûb (בַּעַל זְבוּב), meaning “lord of the flies,” a Philistine god worshiped in Ekron (2 Kings 1:2-3, 6). However, the Greek form used in the New Testament, Βεελζεβούλ (Beelzeboul), is thought to mean “lord of the dwelling” or possibly “lord of dung” as a deliberate insult to paganism or demonic powers.

In Matthew 10:25, Jesus says, “If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!” Here, Jesus refers to the slander against Him by religious leaders who accused Him of being in league with Beelzebul (cf. Matthew 12:24, Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15).

Beelzebul is thus understood to be a name for the prince of demons, a title either directly referring to Satan or to a chief demon under Satan’s command. The usage of this name in the Gospels highlights the spiritual opposition to Jesus during His earthly ministry.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Matthew 10:25 – Jesus refers to being called Beelzebul.

• Matthew 12:24–27 – The Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.

• Mark 3:22 – The teachers of the law claim Jesus is possessed by Beelzebul.

• Luke 11:15–19 – Similar accusation by the crowds and Jesus’ response.

• 2 Kings 1:2–6 – Reference to Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, consulted by King Ahaziah.

• Revelation 12:9 – Identifies Satan as the “great dragon,” “that ancient serpent,” “the devil,” suggesting a unified demonic figure.

Beelzebul in the Ministry of Jesus

Accusation Against Christ

In the context of Matthew 10:25, Jesus prepares His disciples for the hostility they will face. He reminds them that He Himself was slandered and accused of demonic activity. The religious leaders, unwilling to acknowledge Jesus’ divine authority, instead accused Him of being empowered by Beelzebul. This shows the depth of opposition against Jesus and reveals the hardness of the human heart against the truth.

Jesus responds to such accusations by exposing the inconsistency in the Pharisees’ logic. If Satan is casting out Satan, then his kingdom is divided and cannot stand (Matthew 12:25-26). Instead, Jesus shows that His power over demons proves that the kingdom of God has come upon them (Matthew 12:28).

Spiritual Conflict

The mention of Beelzebul highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Jesus was not merely dealing with political or social opposition but with demonic resistance. His miracles and authority over demons were direct confrontations with the powers of darkness. The name “Beelzebul” becomes symbolic of the broader rebellion against God led by Satan and his demons.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Beelzebul represents the deceptive and slanderous nature of evil. Jesus was accused of demonic influence by the religious elite, reminding believers that faithful ministry will often be misunderstood and opposed. Christians should not be surprised when they face opposition for righteousness’ sake, even from religious institutions.

Jesus’ triumph over demonic powers reassures believers that the authority of Christ is supreme over all evil. Just as He cast out demons and exposed the lies of Satan, He continues to free people today through the power of the gospel. Beelzebul’s mention in Scripture reminds believers of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need to remain vigilant and rooted in Christ.

How Beelzebul Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The accusation that Jesus acted by Beelzebul’s power ultimately led to one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divine mission. By rejecting the charge, Jesus affirmed that His miracles were signs of the inbreaking kingdom of God. His power over demons pointed to His role as the Messiah, sent to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

This moment also anticipates the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and their eventual plot to kill Him. The rejection of Christ as Savior is a theme that reaches its climax at the Cross, where Jesus conquers sin, death, and Satan through His death and resurrection.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Spiritual Warfare

The name Beelzebul represents the ongoing conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Scripture consistently affirms the existence of demonic forces and their opposition to God’s work (Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 5:8).

2. The Suffering Servant

Jesus being slandered as demonic fulfills the pattern of the Suffering Servant, who would be despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). His rejection highlights the cost of truth-telling and kingdom ministry.

3. The Authority of Christ

In contrast to Beelzebul, Jesus demonstrates unmatched authority over all demonic forces. His miracles are signs of His divine identity and power (Matthew 28:18).

4. Judgment and Blasphemy

The accusations against Jesus led Him to warn of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31), which involves attributing the work of God to Satan—a grave and serious offense.

Reflection Questions

1. Why did the religious leaders accuse Jesus of working through Beelzebul, and what does this reveal about their hearts?

2. How does Jesus’ response to this accusation strengthen your confidence in His authority over evil?

3. What does the slander against Jesus teach us about the cost of discipleship?

4. In what ways do we see spiritual warfare in our world today, and how can Christians remain faithful in the midst of it?

5. How can the church discern the difference between the Spirit of God and counterfeit spiritual influences?