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A modern dictionary of 5,679 Catholic terms (including abbreviations), both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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Term

BEELZEBUL (also Baalzebub, Beelzebub)

Definition

Under whichever spelling the name appears, it designates a demonic deity or influence. In the New Testament, Jesus denied vigorously that he performed miracles through the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24, Luke 11:19-20). In the Old Testament, King Ahaziah attempted to consult the god of Ekron under the spelling Baalzebub (II Kings 1:3). The name carries the contemptuous connotation of "the lord of flies."