Who was Belial?

Belial is not a personal name in the traditional sense, but a term that represents utter worthlessness, wickedness, and rebellion against God. The name “Belial” (Hebrew: בְּלִיַּעַל bĕli-ya‘al) is derived from two Hebrew words: beli meaning “without” and ya‘al meaning “use” or “profit.” Thus, Belial essentially means “worthless” or “without value.” Over time, it came to refer to utter wickedness and, in later Jewish and Christian usage, to a personification of evil—essentially, Satan.

In the Greek New Testament, Belial appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 6:15, where Paul writes:

“What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” (NIV)

In this passage, Belial is set in direct contrast to Christ, serving as a name for Satan or a figure representing total rebellion against God.

Biblical References and Usage

Old Testament

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the term “sons of Belial” (or “worthless men”) appears frequently to describe individuals who are wicked or lawless. It is used as a descriptive label, not a proper name.

• Deuteronomy 13:13: Describes “sons of Belial” who lead others into idolatry.

• Judges 19:22: Refers to men who committed wickedness in Gibeah.

• 1 Samuel 1:16: Hannah denies being a “daughter of Belial,” affirming her innocence and piety.

• 1 Kings 21:10: False witnesses against Naboth are described as “sons of Belial.”

New Testament

• 2 Corinthians 6:15: Belial is used in direct contrast to Christ, symbolizing the spiritual war between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, Christ and Satan.

The use in the New Testament by Paul appears to draw on intertestamental Jewish literature where Belial became increasingly personified as a demonic figure or even another name for Satan. The Dead Sea Scrolls frequently use “Belial” in this way, describing him as the leader of the forces of darkness.

Theological Significance

Belial as a Representation of Satan

Though not frequently named in Scripture, Belial comes to be a representation of the totality of evil, associated with idolatry, rebellion, immorality, and deception. In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul draws a stark dichotomy between the kingdom of Christ and the dominion of Belial, urging believers to pursue holiness, separation, and faithfulness.

Belial signifies the anti-God spirit in the world—everything that resists God’s authority, holiness, and truth. As Satan is the father of lies and rebellion, Belial functions in the biblical worldview as a symbol or manifestation of the enemy of God’s people.

Relevance to Christian Life

Paul’s use of Belial is meant to awaken Christians to the reality of spiritual warfare and to emphasize that fellowship with evil is incompatible with a life in Christ. In the context of 2 Corinthians 6, the believer is called to be separate from unbelievers and from spiritual darkness.

The application is not merely about personal morality but about covenantal loyalty to Christ. Christians cannot walk with Christ and simultaneously align themselves with the works of Belial—whether through sin, compromise, or false teaching.

Christ and the Gospel

The mention of Belial sets up a sharp contrast that ultimately exalts Christ. Where Belial represents lawlessness, deceit, and destruction, Christ embodies righteousness, truth, and eternal life. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and in His victory through the cross and resurrection, He triumphed over Belial and all his forces.

The gospel calls people to repent of their allegiance to the “prince of this world” and come under the lordship of Christ, who brings reconciliation, holiness, and a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Holiness and Separation

The call to come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17) reflects the Levitical and prophetic themes of holiness. Believers are God’s temple, indwelt by the Spirit, and must separate from all that is unclean.

2. Spiritual Conflict

Belial highlights the reality of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, God and Satan. This is not symbolic alone—it is personal and real. The Christian must be aware of the devil’s schemes and walk in spiritual discernment.

3. Christ’s Supremacy

The contrast with Belial underlines the supremacy of Christ. There is no fellowship, harmony, or common ground between Jesus and the forces of evil. Believers are to live in full allegiance to Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways does the spirit of Belial—lawlessness and rebellion—manifest in our culture today?

2. How does understanding Belial help you appreciate the holiness and lordship of Christ more deeply?

3. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to fellowship with spiritual darkness rather than walk in the light of Christ?

4. How does Paul’s contrast between Christ and Belial challenge the way you view spiritual compromise?

5. What practical steps can you take to separate yourself from the influence of Belial and live in full devotion to Christ?

Belial stands as a sobering reminder that the Christian life is not neutral but is lived on a battleground. Yet, Christ is victorious, and all who belong to Him have been delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into His glorious kingdom.