Bible Dictionary
Bel
Bel was the Babylonian form of the title Baal, meaning “lord.” In biblical and related writings, Bel is associated especially with Marduk, the chief god of Babylon.
Definition
Bel is the Aramaic form of Baal and means “lord.” It was an appellative or title associated with the national god of Babylon, identified in biblical and related writings with Marduk or Merodach, Babylon’s tutelary deity.
Biblical Usage
Bel is mentioned in prophetic denunciations of Babylon and its idols. In the Apocrypha it is likewise associated with the Babylonian deity.
Historical Background
Bel was a Babylonian divine title, comparable to the Semitic title Baal, and was identified with Marduk, the chief god of Babylon.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Aramaic form of Baal, the national god of the Babylonians (Isa. 46:1; Jer. 50:2; 51:44). It signifies “lord.” (See BAAL.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Baal]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bel, bal (bel): Appellative name of a Bah god (compare BAAL), in the Old Testament and Apocrypha identified with Marduk or Merodach, the tutelary deity of Babylon (compare Isa 46:1; Jer 51:44; Baruch 6:41).</p><p>See BABYLONIA AND ASSYRIA, RELIGION OF.</p>