from בְּלִי and יַעַל;(often in connection with אִישׁ, אִשָּׁה, בֵּן, etc.); without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness; Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉlîyaʻal**, represented by `{{H1100}}`, denotes that which is without profit and worthless. It appears **27 times** across **26 unique verses** in the Bible. By extension, its meaning encompasses destruction, profound wickedness, and evil. The term is frequently used in connection with individuals or groups, such as a "man of Belial" or "sons of Belial," to describe their character and actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1100}}` identifies individuals and groups who act with extreme wickedness and rebellion. The sons of Eli are described as "sons of **Belial**" who "knew not the LORD" [[1 Samuel 2:12]]. The term is used for those who promote idolatry and lead others away from God [[Deuteronomy 13:13]]. It characterizes the men of Gibeah, whose heinous actions led to a demand for their death to "put away evil from Israel" [[Judges 20:13]]. It is also used to describe specific antagonists, such as Nabal, who is called "such a son of **Belial**, that a man cannot speak to him" [[1 Samuel 25:17]], and Sheba, the "man of **Belial**" who led a rebellion against David [[2 Samuel 20:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of worthlessness and wickedness associated with `{{H1100}}`:
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or evil): This word for evil is often associated with the actions of a person of Belial. An ungodly man is described as one who "diggeth up **evil**" [[Proverbs 16:27]].
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (wicked): This term describes a morally wrong or ungodly person. It is used in parallel with `{{H1100}}`, where the mouth of the **wicked** is said to devour iniquity [[Proverbs 19:28]].
* `{{H5039}}` **nᵉbâlâh** (folly, villany): This word for moral wickedness is directly linked to Nabal, the "man of Belial," whose name is connected to **folly** [[1 Samuel 25:25]].
* `{{H1288}}` **bârak** (to bless, or by euphemism, to curse): The "men of Belial" are set up to falsely witness that Naboth did **blaspheme** (curse) God and the king, leading to his death [[1 Kings 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1100}}` highlights a complete opposition to God's order and righteousness.
* **Rebellion Against Authority:** Those described as "children of **Belial**" are shown rejecting God's chosen leader, King Saul, by despising him and bringing him no presents [[1 Samuel 10:27]]. This links the term to anarchy and treason.
* **Active Wickedness:** The term does not simply mean passive worthlessness, but an active, destructive evil. A person of `{{H1100}}` is one who has a "froward mouth" [[Proverbs 6:12]] and whose presence brings fear, like the "floods of **ungodly men**" [[Psalms 18:4]].
* **Source of Corruption:** Individuals labeled with `{{H1100}}` are agents of corruption who seek to turn others away from righteousness. This is seen when "children of **Belial**" go out from among the people to withdraw the inhabitants of their city to serve other gods [[Deuteronomy 13:13]].
* **A Condition to Be Purged:** The presence of `{{H1100}}` is so vile that it must be utterly cut off [[Nahum 1:15]] or thrust away like thorns [[2 Samuel 23:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1100}}` is a powerful descriptor for absolute worthlessness that manifests as profound wickedness, rebellion, and destruction. It is applied not only to morally corrupt individuals and violent mobs but also to insidious thoughts and deadly diseases ([[Deuteronomy 15:9]], [[Psalms 41:8]]). From the "sons of Eli" to the wicked counselors who imagine evil, **bᵉlîyaʻal** represents a conscious and destructive opposition to divine law, peace, and righteousness.
TRV