אִיזֶבֶל (i.ze.vel)

i.ze.vel

Jezebel

H0348 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 19 verses

N:N-F-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 19 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-F-P

Word Overview

The name Izevel, rendered in English as Jezebel, identifies a historical figure who served as queen of the northern Kingdom of Israel during the divided monarchy period. She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Tyre, and the wife of King Ahab. Her story appears primarily in the books of First and Second Kings, where she is introduced in 1 Kings 16:31.

Linguistic sources suggest her name carries the meaning "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband to." This etymology highlights her role as a political and religious bridge between Phoenicia and Israel. As the daughter of a Tyrian ruler, she brought the worship of Baal into the royal court, a move that defined much of the prophetic conflict recorded in Scripture.

While her name is sometimes interpreted by later tradition to mean "unchaste," the primary lexical data emphasizes her connection to Baal. She is remembered not just as a queen, but as a pivotal figure who intensified the religious tensions of her time, standing in direct opposition to the prophets of Yahweh.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Izevel appears in Scripture as a historical figure who brought significant religious and political tension to the kingdom of Israel. Her story highlights the difficult reality that faithfulness often requires standing against powerful cultural pressures. The biblical narrative does not shy away from showing how external influences can challenge one's commitment to God, reminding readers that spiritual integrity is often tested by those in positions of authority.

For believers today, this account serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. It encourages Christians to remain grounded in their convictions, even when surrounded by opposing worldviews. The text invites us to consider how we maintain our faith amidst societal shifts, trusting that God sees and values steadfastness. Ultimately, the narrative points to God’s sovereignty over history and His justice, offering hope that truth will prevail regardless of temporary opposition.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Jezebel18×
to/ Jezebel1×
of/ Jezebel1×
and/ Jezebel1×
[is] Jezebel1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

אִיזָֽבֶל\׃3×
אִיזֶ֣בֶל3×
אִיזֶ֔בֶל3×
לְ/אִיזֶ֔בֶל2×
אִיזֶ֜בֶל2×
אִיזֶ֗בֶל2×
וְ/אִיזֶ֣בֶל1×
אִיזָֽבֶל\׃\ \פ1×
אִיזָ֑בֶל1×
אִיזֶ֧בֶל1×
אִיזֶ֥בֶל1×
אִיזֶ֙בֶל֙1×

Key Verses

I Kings 16:31
As if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him.

This verse introduces her as a political bridge who actively promoted the worship of Baal within the Israelite court.
I Kings 18:4
for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them fifty to a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

It highlights her role in persecuting Yahweh’s prophets, which created a context where faithful believers had to hide for survival.
I Kings 21:25
But there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

This passage identifies her as the primary influence who stirred King Ahab to commit evil acts in God's sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Jezebel mean?

The Hebrew name Izevel likely means "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband." This etymology reflects her background as the daughter of a Tyrian king and her role in introducing Baal worship to Israel. Later traditions sometimes associated the name with unchastity, but the primary lexical meaning points to her religious allegiance.

Why is Jezebel mentioned so often in the Bible?

She appears frequently because she was a central figure in the religious conflicts of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Her actions directly challenged the prophets of Yahweh, making her a key antagonist in the narratives of Elijah and Elisha. Her story illustrates the intense struggle between idolatry and monotheism during that period.

How is Jezebel different from other biblical queens?

Unlike queens who supported Israelite religion, Jezebel actively promoted a foreign deity and persecuted local prophets. Her influence led King Ahab into significant moral failure, as seen in the story of Naboth’s vineyard. This sets her apart as a unique symbol of opposition to God’s law in the Old Testament.

Every Occurrence (19 verses across 2 books)

I Kings 13 verses

I Kings 16:31

As if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took as wife Jezebel the…

I Kings 18:4

for when Jezebel cut off Yahweh’s prophets, Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them fifty to a cave, and fed…

I Kings 18:13

Wasn’t it told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed Yahweh’s prophets, how I hid one hundred men of Yahweh’s prophets…

I Kings 18:19

Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and four hundred fifty of the prophets of Baal, and…

I Kings 19:1

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.

I Kings 19:2

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don’t make your life as…

I Kings 21:5

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sad that you eat no bread?”

I Kings 21:7

Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let your heart be…

I Kings 21:11

The men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had instructed them in the…

I Kings 21:14

Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned and is dead.”

I Kings 21:15

When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the…

I Kings 21:23

Yahweh also spoke of Jezebel, saying, “The dogs will eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel.

I Kings 21:25

But there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, whom Jezebel his wife…

II Kings 6 verses