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Document Details :

Title: On the Origin of the Archdemon Beelzebul/Beelzebub
Author(s): CIELONTKO, David
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 102    Issue: 1   Date: 2021   
Pages: 68-77
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.102.1.3289354

Abstract :
The article offers additional support for a marginal proposal that connects the meaning of the name Beelzebul/Beelzebub with the Aramaic term בעיל דבב / בעיל דבבא meaning 'enemy, accuser'. The suggestion is to understand this name in the context of the formation of other archdemons (Satan, Mastema and Belial) in early Jewish demonology. It exhibits a common pattern of 'making an archdemon' within which it situates the origin of Beelzebul/Beelzebub.

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