baal

Thân thiện

A farmer offers a small harvest to a stone baal in a field.

Definition

Noun 1. A Canaanite and Phoenician fertility and nature god: In ancient Semitic religions, Baal was a major deity associated with storms, rain, and fertility, crucial for agriculture. He was often considered a rival to the Hebrew God Yahweh. 2. A false god or idol: In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), "Baal" is used generically to represent any foreign deity or idol worshipped instead of Yahweh, symbolizing idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness.

Usage Examples

• As a specific deity:
  • The ancient city of Ugarit contained many texts describing the myths of Baal.
  • Farmers prayed to Baal for rain and a good harvest.
• As a generic term for idolatry:
  • The prophets condemned the worship of Baal.
  • The people were led astray and began to serve Baal.

Advanced Usage

• "Baals" (plural): Often used in the plural to refer to the various local manifestations or statues of this deity worshipped in different regions.
  • The Israelites built altars to the Baals on every high hill.

Variants and Related Words

• Baalim: An archaic plural form of Baal, found in older English texts, particularly biblical translations.
• Baal-zebub: A Philistine god, later transformed in Christian tradition into Beelzebub, a name for the devil.
• Baal worship: The practice of worshipping Baal.

Synonyms

• False god
• Idol
• Pagan deity

Notes on Meaning

The meaning of "Baal" depends heavily on context: 1. In historical and archaeological contexts, it refers to a specific ancient Semitic deity. 2. In biblical and religious contexts, it primarily carries a negative connotation, representing any false god or the practice of idolatry opposed to monotheistic worship.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples; the Hebrews considered Baal a false god

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