Belial
TextsWhat is the meaning of Belial in the Bible?
Derived from Hebrew roots meaning 'worthlessness' or 'wickedness,' the term Belial began as a descriptive adjective for moral depravity before evolving in later Jewish apocalyptic literature and early Christian writings into a proper noun for a chief demon or the embodiment of evil, often equated with Satan.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the evolution of Belial from a common noun describing behavior to a proper noun for a supernatural adversary illuminates the development of dualistic cosmology in Second Temple Judaism and clarifies the New Testament's portrayal of spiritual conflict.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.