W.G.H. respecting the appearance of _Baal_ in this word: 1. The original
orthography ([Hebrew: 'iyzebel]); whereas the name of the deity is found on
all Phoenician monuments, where it enters largely into the composition of
proper names, written [Hebrew: b`l]: and, 2. The fact of female names being
generally on these same monuments (as tombstones and so forth) compounded
of the name of a _goddess_, specially Astarth ([Hebrew: 'atiorit] or
[Hebrew: `a]). I do not know that we have any example of a female name into
which _Baal_ enters.

The derivation of the word appears to be that given by Gesenius (s.v.);
that it is compounded of the root [Hebrew: zabal] (habitavit, cohabitavit)
and the negative [Hebrew: 'eiyn], and that its meaning is the same as
[Greek: alochos], casta: comp. _Agnes_. _Isabel_, in fact, would be a name
nearer the original than the form in which we have it.

SC.

Carmarthen, Oct. 29. 1850.

_Jezebel._--W.G.H. has been misled by the ending _bel_. The Phoenician god
_Bel_ or _Baal_ has nothing to do with this name,--the component words
being _Je-zebel_, not _Jeze-bel_. Of the various explanations given, that
of Gesenius (_Heb. Lex._, s. voc.) appears, as usual, the simplest and most
rational. The name [Hebrew: 'iyzebel] (Jezebel) he derives from [Hebrew:
'iy] (_i_) "not" (comp. I-chabod, "In-glorious") and [Hebrew: zabal]
(zábal), "to dwell, cohabit with."

The name will then mean "without cohabitation," _i.e._ [Greek: alochos]
(Plat. _Theæt._) "chaste, modest." Comp. _Agnes_, _Katherine_, &c.