The meaning of “בֵּל”
Understanding Bêl reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
by contraction for בַּעַל Bel. - § Bel = "lord" - Bel, the Baal of the Babylonians 1) a chief Babylonian deity
בֵּל
by contraction for בַּעַל Bel. - § Bel = "lord" - Bel, the Baal of the Babylonians 1) a chief Babylonian deity
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 46:1 | “Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.” Word: בֵּל (Bêl) | |
| Jeremiah 50:2 | “Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.” Word: בֵּל (Bêl) | |
| Jeremiah 51:44 | “And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.” Word: בֵּל (Bêl) |