Beelzebub, << bee EHL zuh buhb, >> was the prince of the demons in the New Testament. Jesus identified him with Satan. The ancient Philistines worshiped him under the name of Baalzebub. The proper interpretation of his name is not certain. It may be connected with the Assyrian words, bel-dababi, meaning adversary in court, consequently an enemy.
In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, Beelzebub is the fallen angel who ranked next to Satan in power and crime. In English usage, his name is a common word for Satan (see Devil ).
See also Demon .
