from βάλλω; a missile, i.e. spear or arrow:--dart.
Transliteration:bélos
Pronunciation:bel'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βέλος (*bélos*, `{{G956}}`) derives from the verb βάλλω (*ballō*, `{{G906}}`), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." Consequently, βέλος inherently signifies "that which is thrown" or "a projectile." Its semantic range encompasses various forms of missile weapons, specifically "a spear" or "an arrow," and is often translated as "dart." The root connection to βάλλω emphasizes the dynamic, projected nature of the object, implying an act of launching or hurling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βέλος (*bélos*) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant, found within Paul's exhortation concerning the "armor of God" in Ephesians:
* **Ephesians 6:16**: "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." [[Ephesians 6:16]]
In this pivotal verse, βέλος is used in the plural, τὰ βέλη, and is modified by the adjective πεπυρωμένα (*pepyromena*), meaning "fiery" or "ablaze" (from πυρόω, *pyroo*, `{{G4448}}`). This phrase, "the fiery darts" (τὰ βέλη τὰ πεπυρωμένα), vividly depicts the assaults of "the wicked one" (τοῦ πονηροῦ). The imagery evokes ancient warfare where arrows or javelins were sometimes tipped with flammable materials, designed not only to wound but also to ignite and cause widespread destruction and panic. Spiritually, these "fiery darts" represent various forms of intense, targeted attacks from the enemy: temptations, accusations, doubts, fears, persecutions, or insidious lies designed to inflict spiritual harm, ignite unholy desires, or consume faith. The context of spiritual warfare underscores the reality and intensity of the battle believers face.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for βέλος is its root verb, βάλλω (*ballō*, `{{G906}}`), which denotes the action of throwing or casting. This root is prevalent throughout the New Testament, used in diverse contexts from casting nets (e.g., [[Matthew 4:18]]) to casting out demons (e.g., [[Matthew 8:16]]).
Conceptually, βέλος is intrinsically linked to the broader theme of spiritual warfare and the "armor of God" (πάνοπλία, *panoplia*, `{{G3833}}`) in Ephesians 6. Other components of this spiritual armor include:
* The belt of truth (ἀλήθεια, *alētheia*, `{{G225}}`)
* The breastplate of righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, *dikaiosynē*, `{{G1343}}`)
* The shoes of the gospel of peace (εὐαγγέλιον, *euangelion*, `{{G2098}}`; εἰρήνη, *eirēnē*, `{{G1515}}`)
* The helmet of salvation (σωτηρία, *sōtēria*, `{{G4991}}`)
* The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (ῥῆμα, *rhēma*, `{{G4487}}`; πνεῦμα, *pneuma*, `{{G4151}}`)
The "shield of faith" (θυρεός, *thyreos*, `{{G2375}}`; πίστις, *pistis*, `{{G4102}}`) is presented as the specific defense against these fiery darts, highlighting the crucial role of active trust in God.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of βέλος in Ephesians 6:16 carries profound theological weight, primarily emphasizing the reality and nature of spiritual warfare.
1. **Nature of Spiritual Attack**: The "fiery darts" symbolize the diverse, targeted, and often insidious assaults of the "wicked one." The "fiery" aspect suggests their destructive intent: to burn, wound, inflame passions, ignite doubt, or cause spiritual conflagration. These are not random attacks but strategic projectiles aimed at the believer's core.
2. **Vulnerability and Defense**: The imagery implies that believers are targets in a spiritual battle. However, God provides the necessary defense. The "shield of faith" is presented as the comprehensive and effective means to "quench" (σβέννυμι, *sbennymi*, `{{G4570}}`) these fiery attacks, indicating that faith actively neutralizes their destructive power. This underscores the active, dynamic nature of faith as a protective barrier.
3. **Divine Provision**: The inclusion of the "shield of faith" as part of the "armor of God" highlights God's gracious provision for His people. Believers are not left defenseless but are equipped by divine power to stand firm against the schemes of evil. This passage calls believers to appropriate and utilize the spiritual resources God has given them.
4. **Practical Application**: The theological significance extends to practical Christian living, urging vigilance, dependence on God, and a robust, active faith as essential for spiritual resilience in the face of temptation, discouragement, and spiritual opposition.
### Summary
βέλος (*bélos*, `{{G956}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "a missile," "dart," "spear," or "arrow," deriving from the verb "to throw." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Ephesians 6:16]] is highly impactful, where it describes the "fiery darts of the wicked one." This imagery vividly portrays the intense and destructive spiritual attacks believers face. The "fiery" nature of these darts denotes their intent to inflict severe spiritual, emotional, or psychological harm, igniting doubt, fear, or sin. The theological significance lies in its powerful depiction of spiritual warfare, highlighting the reality of the enemy's assaults and, crucially, God's provision of the "shield of faith" as the complete defense. This singular term powerfully underscores the call for believers to actively appropriate their faith to quench and overcome the targeted strategies of evil, standing firm in God's strength.
TRV