bel and the dragon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Religious, Academic
Quick answer
What does “bel and the dragon” mean?
The title of a deuterocanonical/apocryphal book of the Old Testament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title of a deuterocanonical/apocryphal book of the Old Testament.
Refers specifically to two distinct stories (Bel, a Babylonian idol, and a Dragon) where the prophet Daniel, through wisdom and faith, exposes the falseness of pagan deities and is miraculously saved from harm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Usage is identical in theological contexts.
Connotations
Same religious/literary connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US general English, but has equal standing in academic biblical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “bel and the dragon” in a Sentence
[Subject] discusses/references/cites Bel and the Dragon.[Bel and the Dragon] is included in/appears in [text].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bel and the dragon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lecture will examine the themes found in 'Bel and the Dragon'.
American English
- The professor analyzed 'Bel and the Dragon' in her thesis.
adjective
British English
- The 'Bel and the Dragon' narrative is fascinating.
American English
- There is a 'Bel and the Dragon' passage in this apocrypha.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or ancient literature contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only among those familiar with biblical apocrypha.
Technical
Specific term in biblical scholarship and canon studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bel and the dragon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bel and the dragon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bel and the dragon”
- Using 'Bell' instead of 'Bel'.
- Treating it as a general phrase (e.g., 'a bel and a dragon').
- Capitalising incorrectly (e.g., 'Bel And The Dragon').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered deuterocanonical or apocryphal by Protestants and is not included in their standard Old Testament canons.
Bel (from Baal) is the name of a Babylonian idol or deity worshipped in the story, which Daniel proves is not a living god.
In the context of the story, it is presented as a living creature (a large serpent or dragon) worshipped as a god, which Daniel kills.
It is significant for understanding the development of the biblical canon, Jewish literature in the diaspora, and stories that highlight the supremacy of the God of Israel over pagan gods.
The title of a deuterocanonical/apocryphal book of the Old Testament.
Bel and the dragon is usually formal, religious, academic in register.
Bel and the dragon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbel‿ən ðə ˈdræɡən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɛl‿ən ðə ˈdræɡən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'BEL'iefs are tested with a DRAGON in this biblical story.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH REVEALING FALSEHOOD (Daniel's actions expose the deceit of the idols).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Bel and the Dragon'?