an evil, immoral woman; a scheming, manipulative woman
—Those who call my wife a jezebel are simply intimidated by her beauty and power.

After King Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam, became ruler of Israel. Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel rebelled against Rehoboam, but two tribes remained loyal to him. Thus the nation was divided into two kingdoms: The ten tribes in the north continued to be called Israel, while the two in the south were called Judah.

Over the years, the two kingdoms were each ruled by a series of kings. Some followed God, but most did not. One of the most wicked was a king of Israel named Ahab, who married Jezebel, a foreigner. Not only did Jezebel lead Ahab and many Israelites to worship the god Baal, she also killed many of God’s prophets and had a man murdered so her husband could take his property.

There had never been anyone like Ahab, who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the Lord, urged on by his wife Jezebel. (1 Kings 21:25 NKVJ).

Ahab was followed as king by his two sons, the second of whom was killed by Jehu, who became the new leader of Israel. Jehu came to the city where Jezebel was so that he could confront her.

When Jezebel heard the news, she put on some eye liner [painted her face—KJV], fixed up her hair, and leaned out the window. (2 Kings 9:30)

Some eunuchs looked out as well, and Jehu called up to them to throw her down. They did so, killing her.

To call a woman a jezebel has long been considered an insult, especially when the term painted jezebel is used, as it also includes the meanings of “a sexually promiscuous woman” or “a prostitute.” But some today admire Jezebel and use her name to represent “a strong, confident, independent woman.”