If we suppose the name [Hebrew: 'iyzebel] to be
derived from [Hebrew: beil] or [Hebrew: ba`al], we must find a meaning for
the previous letters. Gesenius derives the name from [Hebrew: 'y], the
negative particle, [Hebrew: zbl], and gives it the sense of "innuba",
_i.e._ "pure," comparing it, as a female name, with the Christian Agnes.
There is but one passage, however, in Scripture which supports this
secondary sense of [Hebrew: zbl] properly, "to be round," or, "to make
round," and then "to dwell;" from whence [Hebrew: zbwl], "a dwelling or
habitation:" also [Hebrew: zbwlwn], "dwellings," the name which Leah gives
to her sixth son, because she hopes that thenceforward her husband [Hebrew:
yizbleiwiy], "will dwell with me." (Gen. xxx. 20.) Gesenius considers this
equivalent with "cohabit;" and from this single passage draws the sense
which he assigns to [Hebrew: 'iyzebel] This seems rather far-fetched. I am,
however, still inclined to give the sense of "pure, unpolluted," to
[Hebrew: 'iyzebel], but on different grounds.
[Hebrew: zebel] has another sense, [Greek: kopros], particularly of camels,
from the round form; and the word was common, in the later Hebrew, in that
sense. Hence the evil spirit is called [Hebrew: ba`al-zbwl], a contemptuous
name, instead of [Hebrew: ba`al-zbwb] = [Greek: Beelzeboul] instead of
[Greek: Beelzeboub] (Matt.
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