Have you ever come across some strange or weird names in the Bible and wondered what it meant? Well, you’re not alone. There are plenty of bizarre names to be found in Scripture, and we’re here to help you make sense of them.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the weirdest Bible names you’ve never heard of, and explain their meaning and origins. So if you’re curious about why someone would be called “Beelzebul” or “Methuselah,” read on!
Weird Bible Names: The Meaning and Origin of 10 Bizarre Names from Scripture
1. Beelzebul: Lord of the Flies
This name appears in Matthew 12:24, Mark 3:22 and Luke 11:15, where Jesus is accused of being in league with Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.
The name “Beelzebul” is thought to be a combination of two Hebrew words: “beli,” meaning “lord,” and “zabbul,” meaning “flies.” Therefore, this name could be translated as “Lord of the Flies.”
Interestingly, there was actually a Philistine god called Baal Zebub, who was worshiped at the city of Ekron. It’s possible that this is where the name Beelzebul comes from.
2. Methuselah: Man of the Dart/Spike
Methuselah is mentioned in Genesis 5:21-27 as the son of Enoch and the father of Lamech. He’s best known for being the oldest man who ever lived, dying at the ripe old age of 969 years!
The meaning of Methuselah’s name is disputed, but it’s thought to come from two Hebrew words: “muth,” meaning “death,” and “shalach,” meaning “to bring.” Therefore, his name could be translated as “Man of the Dart/Spike,” signifying that he would be the one who brought death into the world.
3. Jezebel: Where is the Prince?
Jezebel was a wicked queen who ruled over Israel during the time of the prophets Elijah and Elisha (see 1 Kings 16:31-33 and 2 Kings 9:30-37). Her name comes from the Hebrew word “jezebel,” meaning “where is the prince?”
This was probably a reference to Baal, the Philistine god that Jezebel promoted during her reign. Therefore, her name could be translated as “Where is Baal?”
4. Nahum: Comfort
The Old Testament prophet Nahum is best known for his book, which predicts the fall of Nineveh (see Nahum 1-3). His name comes from the Hebrew word “naham,” meaning “comfort.”
This is fitting, as Nahum’s message was one of comfort and hope to the people of Israel, who were living in exile at the time.
5. Abaddon: Destruction
Abaddon is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as the ruler of the abyss (see Revelation 9:11). The word “abaddon” comes from the Hebrew “abad,” meaning “to destroy.” Therefore, this name could be translated as “Destruction.”
6. Gog and Magog: Land of Gog/Magog
Gog and Magog are mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel as being enemies of Israel (see Ezekiel 38-39). It’s thought that these names may have been used to refer to a specific nation or group of people, but their identity is uncertain.
One theory is that Gog and Magog were actually the Scythians, a group of people who lived in what is now Russia and Ukraine. Another possibility is that they were the Mongols, who conquered much of Asia and Europe in the 13th century.
7. Belial: Worthlessness
Belial is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, usually in reference to wickedness or evil (see Deuteronomy 13:13, Judges 19:22 and 2 Corinthians 6:15). The word “belial” comes from the Hebrew “balal,” meaning “to be worthless.” Therefore, this name could be translated as “Worthlessness.”
8. Leviathan: Twisting Serpent
Leviathan is mentioned in the Book of Job as a sea monster that God created (see Job 41:1-34). The word “leviathan” comes from the Hebrew “livyathan,” meaning “twisting serpent.”
This is fitting, as Leviathan is described as a giant serpentine creature with scales that cannot be pierced.
9. Sodom and Gomorrah: Burning and Pillaging
Sodom and Gomorrah were two wicked cities that were destroyed by God because of their sinfulness (see Genesis 19:24-29). The names “Sodom” and “Gomorrah” come from the Hebrew words “sedom” and “gomorrah,” which mean “burning” and “pillaging,” respectively.
These names are fitting, as Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their violence and lawlessness.
10. Behemoth: Beast
Behemoth is mentioned in the Book of Job as a giant creature that God created (see Job 40:15-24). The word “behemoth” comes from the Hebrew “behemot,” meaning “beast.” Therefore, this name could be translated as “Beast.”
This is fitting, as Behemoth is described as a massive creature with great strength.
Conclusion:
There you have it! These are just a few of the strange, weird and sometimes funny bible names that can be found in the Bible. While we may not know exactly who or what these names refer to, they certainly add an element of mystery to the biblical narrative. Don’t forget to always read your Bible everyday and live your life happily. Thanks for reading!
