Baali (title)

Baali ( /ˈbeɪ.əlaɪ/)^[1] is a former title used by the Israelites for God. The title, which means "my lord," is derived from the possessive form of the honorific Baal. The Judeo-Christian prophet Hosea (Book of Hosea 2:16) reproached Jews for applying the title to Jehovah. Instead, he said, they should have used the endearing title Ishi, which means "my husband". The verse goes ^[1]:

"It will come about in that day," declares the LORD, "That you will call Me ¹ Ishi And will no longer call Me ² Baali.

1. Hosea 2:16 I.e. my husband
2. Hosea 2:16 I.e. my master, or my Baal

References

• This article incorporates text from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), a publication now in the public domain.
• Baali at the Columbia Encyclopedia