Original Word: בַּעַל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ba`al
Pronunciation: bah'-al
Phonetic Spelling: (bah'-al)
KJV: + archer, + babbler, + bird, captain, chief man, + confederate, + have to do, + dreamer, those to whom it is due, + furious, those that are given to it, great, + hairy, he that hath it, have, + horseman, husband, lord, man, + married, master, person, + sworn, they of
NASB: owner, men, husband, leaders, man, husbands, owners
Word Origin: [from H1166 (בָּעַל - married)]

1. a master
2. (hence) a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

archer, babbler, bird, captain, chief man, confederate, have to do, dreamer,

From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense) -- + archer, + babbler, + bird, captain, chief man, + confederate, + have to do, + dreamer, those to whom it is due, + furious, those that are given to it, great, + hairy, he that hath it, have, + horseman, husband, lord, man, + married, master, person, + sworn, they of.

see HEBREW ba'al

Word Origin
from baal
Definition
owner, lord
NASB Translation
allies* (1), archers* (1), bird* (1), bound (1), bridegroom (1), captain (1), case* (1), charmer* (1), citizens (1), creditor* (1), dominant (1), dreamer* (1), due (1), husband (8), husbands (2), leaders (6), lords (1), man (3), married* (2), master's (1), masters (1), men (14), owner (15), owners (2), possessors (2), relative by marriage (1), schemer* (1), who has (1), who practice (1), wrathful* (1).

I. בַּעַל₁₆₆ noun masculine owner, lord (Phoenician בעל; Palmyrene id. husband Vog⁶² compare Bae^{Rel 72 ff.}; Assyrian bêlu₁ with Dl^{Gram. Glossary}; Arabic husband etc., see especially Nö^{ZMG 1886, 174}, Sabean בעל CIS^{iv. 1, 2}) — Genesis 20:3 92t.; suffix בַּעְלִּי Hosea 2:18; בַּעְלָּהּ Deuteronomy 24:4 5t.; plural בְּעָלִים Judges 2:11 17t.; construct בַּעֲלֵי Genesis 14:13 27t.; suffix בְּעָלָיו Exodus 21:29 14t.; בְּעָלֶיהָ Job 31:39 2t.; בַּעְלֵּיהֶן Esther 1:17,20; — I.

1 owner (often plural with suffix in singular meaning): of ox Exodus 21:28,29 (twice in verse); Exodus 22:10; Exodus 22:11; Exodus 22:13; Exodus 22:14 (E); הבור ׳ב of pit Exodus 21:34,36 (E), of house Exodus 22:7 (E) Judges 19:22,23, debt Deuteronomy 15:2, the land Job 31:39, the ass Isaiah 1:3, goods Ecclesiastes 5:10, riches Ecclesiastes 5:12; טוב ׳ב one to whom good is due Proverbs 3:27, gain Proverbs 1:19; שׂכל ׳ב one having understanding Proverbs 16:22; השׁחד ׳ב receiver of the gift Proverbs 17:8.

2 husband Genesis 20:3; Exodus 21:3,22 (E) Deuteronomy 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:4; 2 Samuel 11:26; Joel 1:8; Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 31:11,23,28; Esther 1:17,20; בַּעְלִּי Hosea 2:18 (my Baal, reference to the divine name used in the northern kingdom, here for the first time forbidden).

3 citizens, inhabitants: בַּעֲלֵי of Jericho Joshua 24:11 (E), of the high places of Arnon Numbers 21:28 (E), of Shechem Judges 9:2 12t., of the tower of Shechem Judges 9:46,47, of the city Judges 9:51, of Gibeah Judges 20:5, of Keilah 1 Samuel 23:11,12, of Jabesh 2 Samuel 21:12.

4 rulers, lords: בַּעֲלֵי גוֺיִם Isaiah 16:8.

5 n. of relation:

a. החלמות ׃בַּעַל ׳ב dreamer Genesis 37:19 (E); ׳ב דברים whosoever hath cases, complaints Exodus 24:14 (E); שׂער ׳ב an hairy man 2 Kings 1:8; חמה ׳ב wrathful Nahum 1:2; Proverbs 29:22; אף ׳ב one given to anger Proverbs 22:24; החכמה ׳ב one having wisdom Ecclesiastes 7:12; משׁחית ׳ב destroyer Proverbs 18:9; כנף ׳ב winged thing, bird Proverbs 1:17; Ecclesiastes 10:20; נפשׁ ׳ב one given to appetite Proverbs 23:2; מזמות ׳ב mischievous person Proverbs 24:8; הלשׁון ׳ב charmer Ecclesiastes 10:11; רשׁע ׳ב one given to wickedness Ecclesiastes 8:8; פיפיות ׳ב double-edged Isaiah 41:15; משׁפט ׳ב adversary Isaiah 50:8; ׳ב פקדת captain of the ward Jeremiah 37:13; הקרנים ׳ב two-horned Daniel 8:6,20.

b. בְּדִית ׃בַּעֲלֵי ׳בּ confederates Genesis 14:13; חצים ׳ב archers Genesis 49:23 (poetry); הפרשׁים ׳ב horsemen 2 Samuel 1:6; שׁבועה ׳ב conspirators Nehemiah 6:18; אספות ׳ב members of assemblies; or well-grouped sayings; or collectors (of wise sentences) Ecclesiastes 12:11. — On 2 Samuel 6:2 see II. בַּעֲלָה. (בַּעַל in Hexateuch not J or P; בעל Leviticus 21:4 ᵐ5 ἐζάπινα = כבלּע Numbers 4:20: Di בְּאֵבֶל). Especially II. lord, specifically as divine name, Baal.

1 without article: במות בעל Numbers 22:41 (poetry Balaam); בעל פעור Numbers 25:3,5 (E) Deuteronomy 4:3 (see below). This divine name is not used elsewhere in Hexateuch It probably originated from the sense of divine ownership, rather than sovereignty (RS^{Sem 92}). It seems to have been used in Northern Israel = אדון in the South. It was the special name of the God of the Canaanites, Philistines, etc., = Babylonian בֵּל, compare Schr^{SK 1874, 335 ff.} In later times scribes substituted בּשֶׁת, in proper name (ירבשׁת = ירבעל, אשׁבשׁת = אשׁבעל, see בּשֶׁת, Gei^{ZMG 1862, 728 ff.}), & also in the text for בעל Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 11:13 (hence ἡ βάαλ Jeremiah 2:23; Jeremiah 7:9; Jeremiah 11:13,17; Jeremiah 19:5; Hosea 2:10; Hosea 13:1 +, Romans 11:4, see Di^{Baal mit d. weib. Art1 Kel, MBA 1881, June 16} Dr 2 Samuel 4:4).

2 with article: הַבַּעַל Judges 2:13; Judges 6:25,28,30,31,32; 1 Kings 16:31,32 (twice in verse); 1 Kings 18:19,21,22,25,26 (twice in verse); 1 Kings 18:40; 1 Kings 19:18; 1 Kings 22:54; 2 Kings 3:2; 2 Kings 10:18,19 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 10:20,21 (3 t. in verse); 2 Kings 10:22,23 (3 t. in verse); 2 Kings 10:25,26,27 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 10:28; 2 Kings 11:18 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 17:16; 2 Kings 21:3; 2 Kings 23:4,5; 2Chronicles 23:17 (twice in verse); Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 7:9; Jeremiah 11:13,17; Jeremiah 12:16; Jeremiah 19:5 (twice in verse); Jeremiah 28:13; Jeremiah 28:27; Jeremiah 32:29; Jeremiah 32:35; Hosea 2:10; Hosea 13:1; Zephaniah 1:4.

3 הַבְּעָלִים emphatic plural (compare האלהים, האדונים) the great lord, the sovereign owner Judges 2:11; Judges 3:7; Judges 8:33; Judges 10:6,10; 1 Samuel 7:4; 1 Samuel 12:10; 1 Kings 18:18; 2Chronicles 17:3; 24:7; 28:2; 33:3; 34:4; Jeremiah 2:23; Jeremiah 9:13; Hosea 2:15; Hosea 2:19; Hosea 11:2 (or local special Ba`als, see Dr^{Sm. p. 50}; pillars of Baal MV).

4 with attributive: בַּעַל בְּרִית Lord of convenant Judges 8:33; Judges 9:4 (compare אל ברית Judges 9:46; Nö^{ZMG 1888, 478}); זְבוּב ׳ב Lord of flies 2 Kings 1:2,3,6,16, Philistine god, ᵐ5 Βααλ μυῖαν (Beelzebub, Matthew 12:24) compare Bae^{Rel 25}.

II. בַּ֫עַל 1. proper name, of a location city in the tribe of Simeon 1 Chronicles 4:33 = בַּעֲלַת בְּאֵר.

2. proper name, masculine a. a Reubenite 1 Chronicles 5:5;

b. a Gibeonite 1 Chronicles 8:30; 1 Chronicles 9:36.

Semantic Scope and Core Ideas

Baʿal (Strong’s H1167) functions in Scripture as a relational word expressing rulership or possession. Depending on context it may denote (1) the master or owner of property, animals, or a house; (2) a husband as covenant-lord of a household; (3) an inhabitant who exercises local authority; or (4) the Canaanitish deity Baal, the counterfeit “lord” who competes for Israel’s allegiance. These strands weave together around the notion of lordship, sharpening the biblical call to recognize the LORD alone as rightful Lord.

Ownership and Property Usage

In civil legislation the term marks legal responsibility. “The owner of the ox shall not be held liable” (Exodus 21:28). Damage caused by animals, pits, or fire is adjudicated on the basis that the baʿal bears ultimate accountability (Exodus 21:34; 22:6). This prepares readers to grasp that authority and liability go together—an insight later applied to spiritual stewardship (compare Matthew 25:14-30).

Marriage and Covenant Language

As “husband,” baʿal underscores headship and protection within the covenant of marriage. “Her former husband who sent her away may not take her back again” (Deuteronomy 24:4). Wisdom literature celebrates this role: “Her husband is known at the city gate” (Proverbs 31:23). The prophets adopt the image to portray the LORD’s relationship with Israel; Hosea 2:16 promises a day when Israel will say, “You will call Me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer call Me ‘My Baal.’” The shift from mere ownership to intimate covenant expresses God’s redemptive intent.

Baal as a Pagan Deity

More than half the occurrences refer to the storm-fertility god venerated throughout Canaan. Scripture never treats Baal as a harmless cultural artifact; he personifies idolatry. Judges 2:13 records the tragic pattern: “They forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.” The title that should belong to the Creator becomes an affront when applied to a false god.

Historical Development of Baal Worship in Israel

• Conquest Era: Israel is warned not to assimilate (Deuteronomy 7:4-5), yet Baal cults persist among remaining Canaanites.
• Judges: Gideon destroys the altar of Baal at Ophrah (Judges 6:25-32), but the nation soon lapses again (Judges 8:33).
• United Monarchy: Saul’s son bears the name Ish-Baal (1 Chronicles 8:33), showing cultural pressure even within royal circles.
• Divided Kingdom: Under Ahab and Jezebel, Baal worship becomes state religion (1 Kings 16:31-33). Elijah’s contest on Carmel (1 Kings 18) climaxes with firefall vindication: “If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is god, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21).
• Reform Movements: Jehu eradicates Baal’s temple in Samaria (2 Kings 10:18-28). Josiah later removes the vessels made for Baal from the Temple of the LORD (2 Kings 23:4-5).
• Exile and Beyond: Prophets trace Judah’s downfall to Baalism (Jeremiah 19:5; Zephaniah 1:4). Post-exilic texts show no revival of the cult, indicating that captivity cured national idolatry.

Prophetic Denunciation and Hope

Jeremiah contrasts powerless Baal with the living God (Jeremiah 2:11, 28). Hosea exposes the adultery of Baal worship yet proclaims restoration: “I will betroth you to Me forever” (Hosea 2:19). The prophets thus combine judgment with grace, pointing ahead to the New Covenant in which external law becomes internal loyalty (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Theological Significance

1. Exclusive Lordship: The shared root idea of “lord” forces a decision—who is true baʿal over life and land?
2. Covenant Fidelity: Idolatries of every era mirror ancient Baalism; believers must guard against syncretism.
3. Christological Fulfillment: In the New Testament Kyrios (Lord) belongs to Jesus Christ alone (Philippians 2:11). The displacement of false lords finds ultimate resolution in His exaltation.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Teach personal responsibility before God: the “owner” principle (Exodus 21) grounds ethics.
• Uphold God’s design for marriage, illustrating covenant faithfulness against cultural redefinitions.
• Confront modern idols—materialism, self-rule, secular ideologies—with Elijah’s clear challenge: choose whom you will serve.
• Encourage believers to move from mere acknowledgment of God as “Owner” to affectionate recognition of Him as faithful Husband (Hosea 2:16).

Representative References

Exodus 21:28; 21:34; Deuteronomy 24:4; Judges 2:13; 6:25-32; 8:33; 1 Samuel 12:10; 1 Kings 16:31-33; 18:21, 39; 2 Kings 10:18-28; 23:4-5; Psalm 135:15-18; Jeremiah 2:11, 28; 19:5; Hosea 2:8, 16-20; 11:2; Zephaniah 1:4.

בְּעָלֶ֣יהָ בְּעָלָ֑יו בְּעָלָ֖יו בְּעָלָ֣יו בְּעָלָ֥יו בְּעָלָֽיו׃ בְעָלֶֽיהָ׃ בְעָלָ֑יו בִּבְעָלָיו֙ בַ֥עַל בַּ֖עַל בַּ֗עַל בַּ֙עַל֙ בַּ֛עַל בַּ֝עְלָ֗הּ בַּ֣עַל בַּ֤עַל בַּ֥עַל בַּֽעַל־ בַּעְלֵיהֶ֖ן בַּעְלָ֑הּ בַּעְלָ֣הּ בַּעְלָֽהּ׃ בַּעֲלֵ֖י בַּעֲלֵ֣י בַּעֲלֵ֤י בַּעֲלֵ֥י בַּעֲלֵ֧י בַּעֲלֵֽי־ בַעֲלֵ֨י בַעֲלֵי֩ בַעֲלֵי־ בָּֽעַל׃ בבעליו בעל בעל־ בעל׃ בעלה בעלה׃ בעלי בעלי־ בעליה בעליה׃ בעליהן בעליו בעליו׃ וּבְעַלְתָּ֔הּ וּבַ֖עַל וּבַ֣עַל וּבַ֥עַל וּבַעֲלֵ֥י ובעל ובעלי ובעלתה לְבַ֖עַל לְבַ֣עַל לְבַעְלֵיהֶ֔ן לִבְעָלֶ֔יהָ לִבְעָלָ֑יו לִבְעָלָ֖יו לִבְעָלָֽיו׃ לבעל לבעליה לבעליהן לבעליו לבעליו׃ מִבְּעָלָ֑יו מִבַּעֲלֵ֤י מבעלי מבעליו ba‘·lāh ba‘·lê·hen ba‘al bā‘al ḇa‘al ba‘al- ba‘ălê ḇa‘ălê ba‘ălê- ḇa‘ălê- ba‘lāh ba‘lêhen ba·‘ă·lê ḇa·‘ă·lê ba·‘ă·lê- ḇa·‘ă·lê- ba·‘al bā·‘al ḇa·‘al ba·‘al- Baal baaLei baLah baleiHen bə‘ālāw ḇə‘ālāw bə‘ālehā ḇə‘ālehā bə·‘ā·lāw ḇə·‘ā·lāw bə·‘ā·le·hā ḇə·‘ā·le·hā beaLav beaLeiha biḇ‘ālāw biḇ·‘ā·lāw bivaLav lə·ḇa‘·lê·hen lə·ḇa·‘al ləḇa‘al ləḇa‘lêhen leVaal levaleiHen liḇ‘ālāw liḇ‘ālehā liḇ·‘ā·lāw liḇ·‘ā·le·hā livaLav livaLeiha mib·ba·‘ă·lê mib·bə·‘ā·lāw mibba‘ălê mibbaaLei mibbə‘ālāw mibbeaLav ū·ḇa·‘ă·lê ū·ḇa·‘al ū·ḇə·‘al·tāh ūḇa‘al ūḇa‘ălê ūḇə‘altāh uVaal uvaaLei uvealTah Vaal vaalei veaLav veaLeihaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts