10 Interesting Facts About Jezebel in the Bible

Jezebel is one of the most infamous women in the Bible. Her name is often linked with wickedness, false worship, and pride. But there’s more to her story than just being the villain. Let’s explore 10 interesting facts about Jezebel, using the Bible as our guide.

1. Jezebel Was a Phoenician Princess

Jezebel wasn’t from Israel. She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians (Phoenicia), a region known for worshipping Baal and Asherah. Her marriage to Ahab, king of Israel, was likely a political alliance.

“And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD… he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians.”
—1 Kings 16:30-31

2. She Promoted Baal Worship in Israel

Jezebel brought her gods with her. She led King Ahab and much of Israel into Baal worship, building temples and altars for Baal and supporting hundreds of false prophets.

“He erected an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria.”
—1 Kings 16:32

3. She Ordered the Killing of God’s Prophets

Jezebel didn’t just encourage idol worship. She actively sought to destroy the prophets of the Lord, leading a violent campaign to wipe them out.

“Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD…”
—1 Kings 18:4

4. She Threatened Elijah’s Life

After Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, Jezebel was furious. She sent a message to Elijah, threatening to kill him within 24 hours.

“Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me… if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow…”
—1 Kings 19:2

5. She Was Behind the Death of Naboth

When Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard and Naboth refused to sell, Jezebel arranged a plan to have him falsely accused and executed so Ahab could take the land.

“Thou dost now govern the kingdom of Israel… set Naboth on high among the people, and set two men… to bear witness against him.”
—1 Kings 21:7-10

6. Jezebel’s Name Became a Symbol of Wickedness

Throughout history and Scripture, Jezebel’s name has come to represent idolatry, false teaching, and rebellion. Even in the New Testament, the church in Thyatira is warned about a false prophetess called “Jezebel.”

“You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and by her teaching misleads my servants.”
—Revelation 2:20

7. She Practiced Sorcery and Witchcraft

The Bible links Jezebel with witchcraft and sorcery, showing her deep involvement in spiritual rebellion and manipulation.

“What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?”
—2 Kings 9:22

8. She Died a Violent Death, Just as Elijah Prophesied

Elijah had warned that Jezebel would be eaten by dogs. Years later, Jehu ordered her death. She was thrown from a window, trampled by horses, and her body was devoured by dogs.

“The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.”
—1 Kings 21:23
“They went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.”
—2 Kings 9:35

9. She Died Wearing Makeup and Royal Clothes

Before her death, Jezebel painted her face and dressed like a queen. This has been seen as a symbol of pride, defiance, or even an attempt to seduce or intimidate Jehu.

“And when Jehu was come… Jezebel painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.”
—2 Kings 9:30

10. Her Legacy Is a Warning Against Spiritual Compromise

Jezebel’s life reminds believers of the danger of mixing true worship with idolatry, pride, and control. Her story shows how far someone can go when they reject God's ways.

Jezebel in Summary