The Jezebel Spirit and Narcissism

There is a lot of talk about the Jezebel Spirit, so today I will explain where the name Jezebel comes from and whether it has any connection to Narcissism.

If you are familiar with my blog, you already know that I believe there is a ‘Spirit of Narcissism’ that is responsible for the rise in Narcissists and Narcissism in our society; but is it the same as the Jezebel Spirit?

When I hear Jezebel Spirit, the first thing that comes to mind is a wicked, seductive woman who manipulates people and situations to get what she wants. Apparently, the Jezebel Spirit is not just reserved for women but men as well and narcissists (narcissistic men and women) in particular are now labeled as Jezebels. But, what is the origin of the name ‘Jezebel’?

Well, Jezebel is the name of 2 women in the bible. The first one was the wife of Ahab, king of Israel, and a very wicked woman. Her story begins in 1 Kings Chapter 16 vs 31 through to 2 Kings Chapter 9 vs 37. This Jezebel was a murderer, a liar and a very controlling woman. She was also the one who influenced her husband to carry out many wicked deeds as it says clearly in 1 Kings Chapter 21 vs 25: ‘And Ahab did wickedly, in that he sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his wife Jezebel led him astray.’

In 2 Kings Chapter 9 vs 30, it talks about her hearing of Jehu (a mighty warrior) coming to the city where she was and she painted her face etc. and looked out the window, perhaps to seduce him.

The second Jezebel is mentioned in Revelations Chapter 2 vs 20 – 23. Only 1 verse (v.20) really describes her but it tells us a lot. This is what it says: ‘Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.’

Both Jezebels influenced others to do wickedness because they both had positions of control and influence. They were both manipulators and idolators. One killed the prophets of God, the other seduced the prophets/men of God.

The qualities of these two women, who were both called Jezebel are what have been used to create and symbolise the Jezebel Spirit. But, there is actually no mention of a Jezebel Spirit in the Christian Bible. So, anyone who is manipulative, sexually immoral, controlling and evil is said to have a Jezebel Spirit.

The characteristics of these women are very similar to that of a narcissist and many links have been made recently to where narcissists are called Jezebels and even Ahabs, after Jezebel’s husband. But in my opinion, Ahab was more of a Co-dependent than a narcissist as it said clearly it was his wife who was pulling the strings. If anyone displeased him, he did not do anything to them but his wife would go behind his back and take them out. (Read 1 Kings Chapter 21 vs 1 -22).

So, as you can see, the characteristics of these two women are what have been combined to create the Jezebel Spirit and the term is now being applied to people who are narcissistic or who suffer from the Narcissistic Personality Disorder. As a result, Narcissist = Jezebel Spirit.

Did the Jezebel in 1 Kings have the Jezebel Spirit? No, Jezebel was probably narcissistic, so it would be more appropriate to say that the Spirit of Narcissism operated within her. But, many Christian pastors and teachers have made the terms synonymous, and Jezebel is now the mother of all narcissists.

Was Jezebel the first recorded narcissist in the bible? No, I think Cain (the first child of Adam and Eve) was very narcissistic as well. He was competitive and proud. He was also envious and jealous of his brother and that drove him to kill his own brother. Then, when confronted, he was defensive and lied about it. So, maybe the Spirit of Cain would be more appropriate.

Do Narcissists have the Jezebel Spirit? If Jezebel didn’t have the Jezebel Spirit it is not the correct name. Naming things for what they are is very important. And that is probably why Narcissism has gone undetected in churches for so long, because there are many more characteristics to Narcissism, that neither Jezebels are documented as having.

The Jezebel Spirit, much like Narcissism, is a Spirit of Destruction. It’s destroying families, churches and everyday relationships. But, I don’t think the name Jezebel Spirit is a full embodiment of what a Narcissist is, although this is what is being pushed at the moment. But, if it allows people to recognise or relate to what a narcissist is then I won’t hold it against them. The most important thing is that people realise that Narcissism is more than a mental illness and that our fight is not just a physical one but a spiritual one.

Narcissists are evil, manipulative and controlling like the Jezebels mentioned in the bible. Whichever way someone decides to pinpoint Narcissism, it’s totally their choice, but let it be known that it is an evil spirit that needs to be EXPOSED!