{
  "id": "dict_000560",
  "term": "Beelzebul",
  "slug": "beelzebul",
  "letter": "B",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Beelzebul is a name used in the Gospels for Satan or the ruler of demons. The term appears in accusations that Jesus cast out demons by demonic power.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "Beelzebul is a title used in the New Testament for the prince of demons, closely associated with Satan. In the Gospels, some opponents of Jesus wrongly claimed that He expelled demons by the power of Beelzebul rather than by the Spirit of God. The exact background of the name is debated, but its Gospel meaning is clear.",
  "description_academic_full": "Beelzebul is a New Testament name for the ruler of demons and is functionally identified with Satan in the Gospel accounts. Jesus’ opponents accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul’s power, and Jesus answered that such a charge was self-defeating, since Satan would not work against his own kingdom. Scripture’s main emphasis is therefore not the origin of the title but the spiritual conflict behind the accusation and the clear demonstration that Jesus’ authority over demons comes from God, not from evil powers. The exact historical or linguistic background of the name is discussed by interpreters, but orthodox interpretation can safely say that in the Gospel context Beelzebul refers to the demonic ruler opposed to God and subject to Christ’s superior authority.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "Beelzebul is a name used in the Gospels for Satan or the ruler of demons. The term appears in accusations that Jesus cast out demons by demonic power.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/beelzebul/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/beelzebul.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}