Jezebel was a wicked queen who lived around 874 to 853 BC, but the evil spirit that possessed her is still alive today. In this article, we’ll dive into a topic that’s both intriguing and crucial for our spiritual well-being: unmasking the spirit of Jezebel.
We’ll uncover the traits of a Jezebel spirit, how they show up in our modern world and compare them with narcissistic behavior. I also provide a powerful deliverance prayer at the end to help you cast this spirit out of your life. Let’s get started!
20 Characteristics of the Spirit of Jezebel
Manipulative- Controlling
- Seducing
- Immoral
- False Prophet
- Spiritually Deceitful
- Domineering
- Intimidating
- Self-Worship
- Prideful
- Attention Seeking
- Rigid
- New Age and Occult Practices
- Bullying
- Charming & Flattering
- Induces Fear
- Authoritative
- Dismissive
- Liar
- Narcissistic
ManipulativeUnderstanding the Jezebel Spirit
Let’s kick things off with a bit of background. Her story can be found in 1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9.
The Jezebel spirit is named after Queen Jezebel from the Bible, an infamous figure known for her manipulative and controlling nature. Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, and she led Israel astray by promoting the worship of Baal and persecuting the prophets of God, including Elijah.
Her actions epitomize the attributes of this demonic spirit. This same spirit has been working through humans all through history. Since spirits are eternal, the characteristics manifesting in the biblical Jezebel are the same as we see in the world today.
Unmasking the Spirit of Jezebel: Traits of a Jezebel Spirit
What exactly are the traits of a Jezebel spirit? Here are some key characteristics to watch out for:
1. Manipulation and Control
The Jezebel spirit thrives on manipulation and control. It often uses subtle and deceitful tactics to influence others, steering them away from godly counsel and leading them into confusion and submission.
Remember how Queen Jezebel manipulated King Ahab to get Naboth’s vineyard? (1 Kings 21:1-16) This spirit is a master at twisting situations to serve its own agenda.
Modern Examples of Manipulation and Control
Emotional Manipulation in Relationships
In a romantic relationship, a person influenced by a Jezebel spirit might use guilt trips, silent treatment, or emotional outbursts to control their partner’s actions. They may play the victim to gain sympathy and manipulate their partner into doing what they want.
💔 What it feels like: You might feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells around this person, afraid of triggering their anger or disappointment.
Workplace Control and Bullying
In the workplace, someone with a Jezebel spirit might manipulate their colleagues or subordinates by spreading rumors, taking credit for other’s work, or using favoritism to create division and control the office dynamics.
💔 What it feels like: The work environment feels toxic and divisive, with a noticeable tension that centers around this individual.
Religious Manipulation and Deception
Within a church or religious community, a person under the influence of a Jezebel spirit might use their position to push false doctrines or personal agendas. They might claim to have special revelations from God to manipulate the congregation and undermine true spiritual leadership.
💔 What it feels like: There’s confusion and discord in the community, with people feeling pressured to follow this person’s teachings or face ostracism.
Parental Manipulation and Control
A parent influenced by a Jezebel spirit might control their children through excessive criticism, unrealistic expectations, or using affection as a reward for obedience. This can lead to the child feeling inadequate or overly dependent on the parent’s approval.
💔 What it feels like: The child may struggle with self-esteem issues, constantly seeking validation from the controlling parent and feeling they can never measure up.
Social Media and Public Image
On social media, a person with a Jezebel spirit might manipulate their followers by curating a false image of perfection, using their influence to sway public opinion, or manipulating trends and narratives to benefit their personal brand.
💔 What it feels like: Followers might feel manipulated into following trends or buying products that the influencer endorses, often feeling inadequate or envious of the curated image.
Friendship Dynamics
In friendships, a person influenced by the Jezebel spirit might use charm and charisma to become the center of attention, subtly manipulating friends to align with their views and isolate those who don’t comply.
💔 What it feels like: The social group becomes divided, with loyalty tested, and a noticeable shift in dynamics favoring the manipulative friend.
2. Seduction and Immorality
The Jezebel spirit is often linked to sexual immorality and seduction. It entices individuals into compromising situations, leading them away from purity and holiness.
The spirit of Jezebel in Revelation 2:20: we see a woman named Jezebel who misleads God’s servants into sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. This spirit loves to corrupt what God has made pure.
Modern Examples of Seduction and Immorality
Sexual Temptation in Relationships
In romantic relationships, a person influenced by the Jezebel spirit might use sexual allure and temptation to manipulate their partner. This could involve leading someone into sexual sin before marriage or outside of their marriage.
💔 What it feels like: The relationship is heavily based on physical attraction and sexual interactions, often leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or distance from God.
Promoting Immorality through Media
The Jezebel spirit can work through various forms of media—movies, TV shows, music videos, and social media—to normalize and glorify sexual immorality, making it seem acceptable and desirable.
💔 What it feels like: Consuming this content can desensitize viewers to sexual sin, leading to a more permissive attitude toward behaviors that contradict biblical teachings.
Workplace Affairs and Scandals
In the workplace, a person under the influence of the Jezebel spirit might engage in or encourage extramarital affairs or inappropriate relationships to gain power, favor, or control over others.
💔 What it feels like: This creates a toxic work environment, damaging reputations and careers, and leading to broken marriages and families.
Using Charm and Seduction to Gain Influence
In social circles or professional networks, someone with a Jezebel spirit might use their charm, beauty, or sexual appeal to manipulate others into providing opportunities, favors, or alliances.
💔 What it feels like: Relationships and interactions are transactional and manipulative, often leaving people feeling used or betrayed.
Encouraging a Lifestyle of Indulgence and Excess
The Jezebel spirit promotes a lifestyle focused on indulging in sensual pleasures—parties, drugs, promiscuity—pulling individuals away from a life of holiness and commitment to God.
💔 What it feels like:: This lifestyle often leads to spiritual emptiness, addiction, and broken relationships, with a constant pursuit of fulfillment in the wrong places.
Influence through Online Platforms
Online, the Jezebel spirit can operate through individuals who use their bodies and sexual content to gain financial support and influence over their followers.
💔 What it feels like: Followers might become obsessed or addicted to this content, leading to a distorted view of relationships and sexuality.
Seduction in Religious Settings
Even within religious communities, a person under the Jezebel spirit’s influence might use their position or charisma to lead others into moral compromise, often presenting a façade of spiritual leadership while engaging in immoral behavior. They often go after the pastor or a person with a leadership role.
💔 What it feels like: This results in disillusionment and spiritual damage to those who trusted the individual’s leadership, causing a rift within the community. It can even lead to adultery and broken marriages and homes.
3. False Prophecy and Deception
This spirit spreads false teachings and deception, distorting God’s truth to lead people astray. It masquerades as a source of spiritual insight, but its teachings are laced with lies.
Just like Jezebel supported 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, leading Israel into idolatry and false worship (1 Kings 18:19), the Jezebel spirit today promotes false prophecies.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
Modern Examples of False Prophecies and Deceit
False Prophecy in Religious Communities
Within a church or religious group, an individual influenced by the Jezebel spirit might claim to have received special revelations from God, leading others astray with unbiblical teachings. They might present themselves as prophets with a direct line to God, using this perceived authority to manipulate and control the congregation.
💔 What it feels like: The teachings deviate from Scripture, promoting personal agendas or false doctrines. Followers might feel confused or pressured to accept these revelations without question.
Deceptive Teachings Online
On social media and various online platforms, individuals or groups might spread deceptive teachings under the guise of Christianity. They might mix truth with lies, leading believers into confusion and away from true biblical doctrine.
💔 What it feels like: The content appears persuasive and spiritually insightful but subtly contradicts core biblical principles. Followers might find themselves questioning established truths of their faith.
Spiritual Manipulation in Counseling
A counselor or spiritual advisor under the influence of the Jezebel spirit might offer advice that seems spiritually sound but ultimately leads clients away from God’s truth. They might claim divine insight into personal issues, using this to control or exploit the person seeking help.
💔 What it feels like: Advice often feels manipulative, instilling fear or dependence on the advisor rather than encouraging a direct relationship with God.
Charismatic Leadership with Hidden Agendas
A Charismatic leader, whether in a religious setting or another sphere of influence, might use their charm and persuasive skills to deceive followers. They present themselves as benevolent and spiritually enlightened but have hidden agendas aimed at personal gain or control.
💔 What it feels like:: There’s a noticeable gap between the leader’s public persona and their private actions. Followers might eventually uncover lies, hypocrisy, or unethical behavior.
New Age and Occult Practices Disguised as Christianity
Some modern movements blend New Age or occult practices with Christian terminology, presenting a deceptive form of spirituality. These practices might include things like crystal healing, astrology, or other occult methods repackaged as Christian teachings.
💔 What it feels like: Believers are drawn into practices that contradict biblical teachings, often feeling they are enhancing their spirituality while being led away from the truth of the Gospel.
Fake Miracles and Signs
Individuals or groups might stage fake miracles or supernatural signs to convince others of their spiritual authority. These deceptive acts are designed to manipulate people into following them or contributing financially.
💔 What it feels like: Miracles and signs lack authenticity and often cannot withstand scrutiny. Followers might feel disillusioned when the truth comes to light.
4. Intimidation and Fear
The Jezebel spirit uses fear and intimidation to control and dominate others. It creates an atmosphere of fear, silencing opposition and discouraging resistance.
Remember how Jezebel threatened Elijah, causing him to flee in fear? (1 Kings 19:1-3) This spirit knows how to strike fear into the hearts of people.
But take heart: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Modern Examples of Intimidation and Fear
Bullying in the Workplace
In a professional setting, a person influenced by the Jezebel spirit might use their position of power to intimidate colleagues and subordinates. They might use threats of job loss, public humiliation, or harsh criticism to maintain control and silence opposition.
💔 What it feels like: The work environment becomes toxic, with employees feeling constantly on edge, fearful of making mistakes, and reluctant to speak up or share ideas.
Spiritual Abuse in Religious Settings
A religious leader under the influence of the Jezebel spirit might use fear tactics to control their congregation. They might threaten divine punishment for disobedience or dissent, creating an atmosphere of fear and submission.
💔 What it feels like: Congregants feel trapped, believing that questioning the leader or their teachings will result in spiritual or even physical harm. This can lead to a culture of silence and unquestioning loyalty.
Emotional Manipulation in Personal Relationships
In close personal relationships, such as with a partner or family member, someone with a Jezebel spirit might use emotional manipulation to instill fear. This can include overt or covert threats of abandonment, emotional outbursts, or using personal information to blackmail.
💔 What it feels like: The person being manipulated may feel constantly anxious, fearful of the manipulator’s reactions, and unable to express their true feelings or concerns.
Intimidation through Social Media
On social media platforms, a person under the influence of the Jezebel spirit might use cyberbullying tactics to intimidate others. This can include spreading false rumors, making threats, or publicly shaming someone to control their behavior.
💔 What it feels like: Victims might experience severe anxiety, depression, or a sense of helplessness, often withdrawing from social media or altering their behavior to avoid further attacks.
Political and Social Manipulation
In the political or social arena, an individual or group influenced by the Jezebel spirit might use fearmongering and intimidation to push their agenda. This can involve spreading misinformation, using scare tactics, or inciting fear to influence public opinion and control outcomes.
💔 What it feels like: The public becomes divided, with heightened fear and anxiety over exaggerated or false threats, leading to polarized and often irrational decision-making.
Family Dynamics and Control
Within a family, a person influenced by the Jezebel spirit might use intimidation to control the household. This can involve using physical threats, verbal abuse, or resource and emotional manipulation to maintain dominance over family members.
💔 What it feels like:: Family members live in constant fear of the abuser’s reactions, feeling powerless to stand up or change the dynamics, resulting in a cycle of fear and submission.
Cult-like Control in Groups
In cult-like settings, a leader with a Jezebel spirit might use extreme fear tactics to maintain control over members. This can include threats of ostracism, financial ruin, or physical harm for those who question or attempt to leave the group.
💔 What it feels like: Members feel trapped, believing they have no safe way to leave or oppose the leader, often resulting in psychological and emotional trauma.
5. Pride and Arrogance
Much like the spirit of Leviathan, this spirit exhibits a high degree of pride and arrogance, believing it is superior and deserving of special treatment. It often seeks recognition and admiration.
Jezebel’s blatant disregard for God’s authority and her arrogance in promoting idol worship exemplify this trait.
The Bible cautions us: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
The Jezebel spirit uses pride and arrogance to create division, suppress others, and maintain control. Recognizing these traits can help you stand firm in humility and grace, fostering environments of mutual respect and collaboration. If you encounter these behaviors, remember to seek God’s guidance and maintain a humble heart, relying on His strength to navigate and overcome these challenges.
Modern Examples of Pride and Arrogance
Corporate Leadership and Authority
In the corporate world, a leader influenced by the Jezebel spirit might exhibit excessive pride and arrogance, believing they are superior to others. They might dismiss the ideas and contributions of their team, insisting their way is the only way.
💔 What it feels like: The workplace environment becomes stifled, with employees feeling undervalued and unappreciated. Innovation and collaboration suffer due to the leader’s dismissive attitude.
Religious Leadership and Ministry
In a church or ministry, a pastor or leader with a Jezebel spirit might believe they have a unique, superior spiritual insight that others lack. They might refuse to listen to counsel or correction, insisting their interpretation of Scripture is the only valid one.
💔 What it feels like: The congregation might become divided, with members feeling alienated or coerced into accepting the leader’s views without question. This can lead to a lack of spiritual growth and a toxic church environment.
Social Media Influence
Unmasking the spirit of Jezebel on social media will show an influencer or public figure who might portray themselves as the ultimate authority on various subjects. They might belittle or mock others who disagree with them, using their platform to elevate themselves while putting others down.
💔 What it feels like: Followers might feel pressured to conform to the influencer’s views, leading to a culture of echo chambers and a lack of healthy, respectful dialogue.
Family Dynamics
Within a family, a parent or spouse influenced by the Jezebel spirit might exhibit pride and arrogance, believing they always know what’s best for everyone. They might dismiss or belittle the thoughts, ideas, or opinions and feelings of other family members, insisting on their way in all decisions.
💔 What it feels like: Family members might feel oppressed, unheard, and undervalued, leading to resentment and a breakdown in communication and relationships.
Academic and Intellectual Circles
In academic or intellectual settings, a person with a Jezebel spirit might use their knowledge and credentials to belittle others, insisting that their academic achievements make them superior. They might refuse to engage with differing viewpoints, considering them unworthy of serious consideration.
💔 What it feels like: This creates an environment of intellectual elitism, where genuine dialogue and the exchange of ideas are stifled by arrogance and condescension.
Creative and Artistic Fields
In creative fields like art, music, or writing, an individual influenced by the Jezebel spirit might believe their talent makes them superior to others. They might reject constructive criticism and belittle the work of their peers, fostering a toxic and competitive atmosphere.
💔 What it feels like: This can lead to isolation, lack of collaboration, and a culture where only the arrogant thrive while others are discouraged from expressing their creativity.
Community and Civic Leadership
In community or civic leadership roles, a person with a Jezebel spirit might use their position to exert control, believing their vision for the community is the only correct one. They might dismiss the input and concerns of community members, pushing their agenda with arrogance.
💔 What it feels like: Community members might feel disenfranchised and ignored, leading to a lack of trust in leadership and potential conflicts within the community.
Comparing the Jezebel Spirit with Narcissism
You might have noticed that these traits sound a lot like narcissism, and you’d be right! Both the Jezebel spirit and narcissists are:
- Master manipulators
- Lack genuine empathy
- Crave attention and admiration
Additionally, they both have a strong sense of entitlement and a need to control others, using fear, guilt, and shame to dominate – covert or overt.
The spiritual world affects the personalities of people. Where narcissism is a personality disorder often discussed in psychological terms, the Jezebel spirit is in the spiritual dimension and involves demonic influence and spiritual warfare. See James 3:14-16 to see how God describes narcissism.
When dealing with the Jezebel spirit, we need to approach it with spiritual tools and discernment. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood; we change the personality (strongholds) through spiritual warfare.
Biblical Basis for Deliverance
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Deliverance from the Jezebel spirit is possible through the power of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself freed many people from demons. Here are just five examples:
- Mark 1:23-26
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
- Mark 5:1-13
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.
For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”
And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
- Matthew 9:32-33
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
- Matthew 17:14-18
When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
- Luke 8:1-2
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.
Jesus gave His power to us – the power to tread on serpents and scorpions. In Luke 10:19, He said “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Spirit of Jezebel in Revelation
Speaking of unmasking the spirit of Jezebel, let’s not forget how Jesus spoke about Jezebel in Revelation 2:20-23 where Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira through a message to John.
Jesus is giving feedback to the seven churches, and when He gets to Thyatira, He acknowledges their love, faith, service, and perseverance. However, He has a serious concern about a woman named Jezebel who is leading people astray. She’s described as someone who claims to be a prophetess and teaches and misleads Jesus’ servants into committing sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols.
In other words, she’s promoting behaviors that are completely against Christian teachings.
Jesus mentions that He has given her time to repent of her ways, but she refuses. Because of her stubbornness, Jesus says He will cast her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer intensely unless they repent of her ways.
Moreover, He says He will strike her children (followers) dead. This harsh judgment is to serve as a warning to all the churches, emphasizing that Jesus examines hearts and minds and will repay each according to their deeds.
Let’s not tolerate the spirit of Jezebel in our lives either!
Deliverance Prayer
Feel free to use this prayer to cast this unclean spirit out of your life:
I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing by the blood of Jesus and I forgive all others in my life.
In the name of Jesus, I renounce and break every tie and association with the Jezebel spirit. I bind and cast out this spirit, and all others working with and through it. I command all of its manifestations of manipulation, control, seduction, false prophecy, intimidation, and pride to cease immediately.
I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and I am set free by the truth of Your Word (John 8:32).
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and presence. Help me to walk in the fruit of the Spirit and to live a life that honors You. Thank you, Lord for setting me free, teach me how to stay free.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I acknowledge that I have allowed the Jezebel spirit to influence my life, and I repent for any ways I have participated in its schemes.Conclusion
Discerning and understanding the Jezebel spirit’s traits is crucial for our spiritual health. By recognizing these attributes, we can better guard our hearts and minds and not live in deceit. The world is becoming increasingly full of this spirit’s influence, which I believe stems from removing God from its beliefs over the decades.
Remember, deliverance is possible through the power of Jesus Christ. Use the prayer provided, stand firm in your faith, and walk in the freedom that Christ has given you.
Stay vigilant, and may God bless you in your journey to spiritual victory! Feel free to share this post on unmasking the spirit of Jezebel with anyone who might benefit from it. Let’s continue to support each other in our walk with Christ.
