Bel
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The appellative name of a Babylonian god, identified with Marduk, the tutelary deity of Babylon.
What is the meaning of Bel in the Bible?
The appellative name of a Babylonian god, identified with Marduk, the tutelary deity of Babylon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Bel clarifies references to the supreme god of Babylon in biblical texts, such as the title 'Belshazzar' in the Book of Daniel, revealing the political and religious context of the Babylonian exile.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Bel. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bel clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bel/