Jezebel

The name Jezebel, derived from the Hebrew אִיזֶבֶל (Izevel), is often interpreted to mean 'there is no prince' or 'unhusbanded,' though other scholars suggest it could be linked to the phrase 'Where is the prince?'—a ritual cry in Baal worship. Jezebel's etymology reflects her roots in Phoenician culture, where names often carried religious or royal connotations. The name's association with Baal worship led to its negative connotations in biblical contexts as Israelite writers often altered names invoking foreign gods to reflect theological critiques.

Jezebel is one of the most infamous figures in the Bible, appearing as both the queen of Israel and a symbolic figure in the Book of Revelation. She scores high on the Divine Proximity Index (92.4/100) due to her significant role in opposing the worship of Yahweh, though her Jesus Circle Score (94.1/100) reflects her negative association with spiritual corruption. As the wife of King Ahab, Jezebel's actions symbolized the dangers of idolatry, manipulation, and apostasy. Her name has transcended its biblical origins to become a cultural symbol of seduction, power, and rebellion against divine authority, though modern feminist interpretations seek to reframe her story as one of political agency and complexity.

Jezebel first appears in 1 Kings 16:31 as the Sidonian princess who marries King Ahab of Israel, introducing Baal worship into the northern kingdom. Her story is marked by her persecution of Yahwist prophets, including the massacre of many and her direct conflict with the prophet Elijah. Her downfall is vividly described in 2 Kings 9, where she is thrown from a window, trampled by horses, and devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. In Revelation 2:20, the name Jezebel reappears as a metaphor for a false prophetess who leads Christians astray, linking her historical actions to broader spiritual warnings about idolatry and immorality.