Beelzebub in the Bible: From Deity to Demon King Part 2

Beelzebub is one of the more mysterious figures in biblical texts. Though often associated with Satan today, his biblical mentions are actually quite limited—and specific. He appears only in the New Testament, primarily as a figure invoked by critics of Jesus, accusing Him of using demonic powers. Let’s dive deeper.

Biblical References and Interpretation

Matthew 12:24

“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.’”

Interpretation:

Here, Beelzebub is explicitly labeled as the “prince of demons.” The Pharisees are accusing Jesus of harnessing demonic power to perform miracles. This is a significant accusation, as it challenges His divine authority and implies collusion with evil forces.

Matthew 12:27

“And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out?”

Interpretation:

Jesus responds cleverly, pointing out a logical inconsistency in the Pharisees’ accusation. If He is accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub, then who is responsible for the exorcisms performed by their own followers? This subtly undermines their authority and exposes the absurdity of their charge.

Mark 3:22

“And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He has Beelzebub,’ and, ‘By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.’”

Interpretation:

Mark mirrors Matthew’s account, again calling Beelzebub “the ruler of demons.” The repetition emphasizes the danger of the accusation and the perceived spiritual threat Jesus posed.

Luke 11:15

“But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of demons.’”

Interpretation:

Luke’s account confirms the association of Beelzebub with demonic authority, showing that this was a common accusation circulating among different groups of observers.

Luke 11:18

“If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? … because you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub.”

Interpretation:

Here, Jesus links the accusation directly to Satan, pointing out that attributing His works to Beelzebub is essentially claiming that Satan is working against himself. This passage is foundational for later traditions equating Beelzebub with Satan or as one of his chief lieutenants.

Jewish vs Christian Understanding

• Jewish Perspective:

  In Jewish thought, Beelzebub originally had a different connotation. The name may derive from Baal-Zebul, meaning “Lord of the High Place” or “Prince of the Heavenly Dwelling.” In the Hebrew Bible, he was sometimes considered a Philistine deity rather than a demon. By the time of the New Testament, the Jewish view had largely shifted him into a figure representing evil or foreign gods, especially in polemical contexts.

  
  

• Christian Perspective:

  Christianity inherited the New Testament depiction, which merges Beelzebub with demonic authority. Over centuries, he evolved from a specific “prince of demons” into one of the chief demons or a name for Satan himself. Christian demonology often places him as a ruler under Satan, sometimes even considered second in command among infernal hierarchies.

Timeline of Beelzebub’s Evolution

1. Ancient Deity (pre-Old Testament era):

   Likely a Philistine god or a title for a Canaanite deity, originally associated with fertility or high places.

   
   

2. Insult (Old Testament references):

   The Hebrew Bible contains a polemical reference in 2 Kings 1:2–3, where “Baal-Zebub” is mocked as “Lord of the Flies”—a corruption of his original name used to ridicule pagan worship.

   
   

3. Demonization (New Testament):

   By Jesus’ time, Beelzebub was firmly positioned as a demonic entity. Accusations against Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke) portray him as “prince of demons,” marking his evolution from a deity to a symbol of ultimate evil.

   
   

4. Medieval and Modern Christian Tradition:

   Christian writers like John Milton and later demonologists expanded Beelzebub’s role as a demon king or second-in-command to Satan, solidifying his image in literature and popular imagination.

Summary

In the New Testament, Beelzebub is:

• The “prince” or “ruler” of demons

• Linked to Satan by implication

• Used as an accusation against Jesus

He is not explicitly Satan, but Jesus’ response laid the foundation for that connection. Over time, Beelzebub’s image shifted from a minor deity to a mocking insult, and finally to a prominent demon king in Christian thought.