1. Overview

The Greek word Βελίαλ (Belial), pronounced beh-LEE-al, is a term that appears in the New Testament, originating from a Hebrew root word, בְּלִיַּעַל (Beliya‘al). The term Belial in Hebrew generally signifies “worthlessness,” “lawlessness,” or “wickedness,” and is often used in the Old Testament to describe individuals or acts that are completely contrary to God’s will. In the New Testament, Belial becomes personified, representing the personification of evil or the leader of the forces of lawlessness and wickedness, often identified with Satan or a demonic figure.

2. Detailed Description

In the New Testament, Belial appears specifically in 2 Corinthians 6:15, where the Apostle Paul rhetorically asks, “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?” This question contrasts Christ, the embodiment of righteousness, with Belial, the embodiment of lawlessness or evil. The term here is used to emphasize the absolute incompatibility between Christ and evil forces.

According to BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), Belial is associated with the Hebrew concept of utter worthlessness and is used in the New Testament to personify an evil being, synonymous with Satan or the prince of darkness. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon agrees with this interpretation, noting that Belial is often understood as a title for Satan or a chief demon. In this context, Belial is seen as the ultimate symbol of wickedness and opposition to God.

Other lexicons, such as Vines and LSJ, provide similar definitions, emphasizing the role of Belial as the epitome of evil and lawlessness. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance highlights that Belial is not just a general term for wickedness but is used to denote a specific adversarial figure, often equated with Satan.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

The term Belial does not have a direct equivalent in classical Greek literature, as it is a term rooted in Hebrew culture and thought. However, the concept of personified evil or a leading figure of wickedness can be found in various ancient texts. Here are three examples:

1. The Dead Sea Scrolls: In the Qumran community’s writings, particularly the War Scroll, Belial is frequently mentioned as the leader of the forces of darkness. The scrolls describe a cosmic battle between the “Sons of Light” and the “Sons of Darkness,” with Belial leading the latter group. This usage aligns closely with the New Testament’s portrayal of Belial as a personification of evil.
2. The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs: In this pseudepigraphal work, Belial is depicted as the source of all sin and corruption. He is portrayed as the ruler of the unrighteous and is contrasted with God’s righteousness. The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs further solidifies Belial‘s association with lawlessness and opposition to God.
3. Sibylline Oracles: The Sibylline Oracles, a collection of prophetic writings, mention a figure resembling Belial as a leader of wicked forces. Although not explicitly named Belial, the description of this figure as a corrupt and evil leader parallels the New Testament’s use of the term.

These examples illustrate that while the specific name Belial may not be widespread in Greek literature, the concept of a personified evil leader was a recurring theme in Jewish and early Christian thought.

4. Summary

Βελίαλ (Belial) is a significant term in both Jewish and Christian theological traditions, representing the epitome of lawlessness and wickedness. Originating from the Hebrew term for “worthlessness,” Belial evolves in the New Testament to symbolize the personification of evil, often equated with Satan. The Apostle Paul’s use of Belial in 2 Corinthians 6:15 emphasizes the stark contrast between Christ and the forces of evil, underscoring the incompatibility between righteousness and lawlessness.

While Belial does not have direct counterparts in classical Greek literature, the concept of a personified leader of wickedness is found in various Jewish writings, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and pseudepigraphal texts. These writings reinforce the New Testament’s portrayal of Belial as the ultimate adversary of God’s righteousness.

In summary, Belial serves as a powerful symbol of evil and opposition to God, both in its original Hebrew context and in its New Testament usage. The term encapsulates the early Christian understanding of the cosmic battle between good and evil, with Belial representing the forces of darkness that stand in direct opposition to Christ and His kingdom.