of Hebrew origin (בְּלִיַּעַל); worthlessness; Belial, as an epithet of Satan:--Belial.
Transliteration:Belíal
Pronunciation:bel-ee'-al
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Βελίαλ (Belíal, `{{G955}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew בְּלִיַּעַל (Beliya'al, `{{H1100}}`). Its etymological roots in Hebrew are crucial for understanding its semantic range. The word בְּלִיַּעַל is generally understood as a compound of בְּלִי (beli, `{{H1097}}`), meaning "without" or "not," and יַעַל (ya'al, `{{H3276}}`), meaning "profit," "use," or "worth." Thus, the foundational meaning of Belíal is "worthlessness," "uselessness," or "good for nothing." Over time, particularly in intertestamental Jewish literature, this abstract concept evolved into a concrete proper noun, becoming an epithet or even a personal name for the chief adversary, Satan, embodying ultimate worthlessness and opposition to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, the term Βελίαλ (`{{G955}}`) appears only once, in [[2 Corinthians 6:15]]. The verse reads: "What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"
Paul employs Belíal in a series of stark rhetorical questions designed to highlight the absolute incompatibility between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil. In this context, Belíal is presented as the direct antithesis to Christ, serving unequivocally as a personal name for Satan, the ultimate embodiment of wickedness and worthlessness. The surrounding verses reinforce this dichotomy, contrasting righteousness with wickedness, light with darkness, and the temple of God with idols. Paul's use of Belíal here is not merely a descriptive adjective but a powerful personification, demanding that believers recognize the fundamental spiritual divide and live lives of separation from ungodly influences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew progenitor, בְּלִיַּעַל (Beliya'al, `{{H1100}}`). In the Old Testament, Beliya'al is most frequently found in the construct phrase "sons of Belial" (בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל), referring to wicked, lawless, or worthless individuals (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 13:13]], [[Judges 19:22]], [[1 Samuel 2:12]], [[1 Samuel 10:27]], [[1 Kings 21:10]], [[Proverbs 6:12]]). These are individuals characterized by their utter lack of moral worth or adherence to God's law.
The transition from a collective noun describing wicked people to a proper name for the personification of evil is evident in intertestamental Jewish literature, such as the Qumran scrolls and pseudepigrapha (e.g., Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, Book of Jubilees). In these texts, Belial often appears as a prominent name for the leader of the forces of darkness, a chief demon, or Satan himself. This development provides the direct theological backdrop for Paul's singular use of Belíal in the New Testament.
Furthermore, Belíal is conceptually linked to other terms used to describe the spiritual adversary, such as Satan (`{{G4567}}`), the Devil (`{{G1228}}`), and the evil one (`{{G4190}}`), all of which represent the ultimate opposition to God and His Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Belíal lies in its potent representation of ultimate evil and opposition to God.
1. **Personification of Radical Evil:** The evolution of Belíal from "worthlessness" to an epithet for Satan underscores the biblical understanding that evil is not merely an abstract concept or the absence of good, but an active, malevolent, and personified force. It embodies the essence of all that is utterly devoid of worth in God's sight.
2. **Ultimate Antithesis to Christ:** By placing Belíal in direct opposition to Christ in [[2 Corinthians 6:15]], Paul establishes a profound theological contrast. Christ represents ultimate worth, righteousness, and divine truth, while Belíal represents ultimate worthlessness, wickedness, and deception. This highlights the irreconcilable nature of the two kingdoms—the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.
3. **Call to Holy Separation:** The use of Belíal serves as a powerful rhetorical device to impress upon believers the absolute necessity of spiritual separation. As "temples of the living God," Christians are called to live in a manner consistent with their divine identity, shunning all associations and practices that align with the "worthlessness" and wickedness embodied by Belíal. It is a call to radical holiness and unwavering allegiance to Christ alone.
4. **Continuity of Adversary:** The term bridges Old Testament concepts of lawlessness and worthlessness with the New Testament's explicit identification of Satan, demonstrating a consistent understanding of the spiritual adversary throughout biblical history, culminating in his ultimate defeat by Christ.
### Summary
Βελίαλ (`{{G955}}`) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew בְּלִיַּעַל (`{{H1100}}`), fundamentally meaning "worthlessness" or "uselessness." While in the Old Testament it described wicked individuals (e.g., "sons of Belial"), intertestamental literature saw its full personification as a proper name for Satan, the chief adversary. In the New Testament, Belíal appears solely in [[2 Corinthians 6:15]], where it functions as a direct epithet for Satan, serving as the ultimate antithesis to Christ. Theologically, Belíal signifies the personification of radical evil and utter worthlessness, underscoring the absolute incompatibility between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness, and profoundly calling believers to a life of holy separation and unwavering devotion to Christ.
TRV