Ἰεζαβήλ (Iezabēl)
Iezabēl
Jezebel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Iezabel appears only once in the New Testament, serving as a symbolic title for a false prophetess in the church at Thyatira (Revelation 2:20). The name itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "chaste," but it carries heavy historical baggage from the Old Testament. It recalls the infamous wife of King Ahab, who promoted idolatry and persecuted God’s prophets.
By using this name, John draws a direct parallel between that ancient queen and the woman in Thyatira. Just as the biblical Jezebel led Israel into spiritual compromise, this figure is accused of teaching believers to engage in sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. The name functions not merely as an identifier, but as a warning against adopting the destructive influence of the past.
While some scholars suggest the name might simply reflect her character or role, the text clearly intends for readers to remember the original Jezebel’s legacy of corruption. The term highlights how spiritual deception can mimic true prophecy while leading people away from faithfulness. This single usage anchors the letter’s critique in a well-known story of religious betrayal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jezebel in Revelation 2:20 is not just a historical reference but a serious warning about spiritual compromise. In the church at Thyatira, this figure used her position as a prophetess to lead believers into sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. This mirrors the Old Testament queen who turned Israel away from God through idolatry and deceit.
For your faith, this word reminds us that false teaching can come wrapped in spiritual authority. It challenges us to test what we hear against Scripture, ensuring our loyalty remains with Christ alone. The passage shows that tolerance of sin within the community harms the whole body, urging us to pursue purity and truth together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jezebel,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰεζάβελ,1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 2:20
But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
This verse uses the name as a symbolic label for a false prophetess whose teachings directly lead believers into idolatry and sexual sin, mirroring the Old Testament queen's legacy.