 The spelling of the English term "Baal" derives from the Greek "Báal" (), which appears in the New Testament and Septuagint, and from its Latinized form "", which appears in the Vulgate.These forms in turn derive from the vowel-less Northwest Semitic form (Phoenician & ).The word's biblical senses as a Phoenician deity and false gods generally were extended during the Protestant Reformation to denote any idols, icons of the saints, or the Catholic Church generally.