Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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BEELZEBUL (also Baalzebub, Beelzebub)

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."