STRONGS NT 955: ΒελιάρΒελιάρ, ὁ, indeclinable, Beliar, a name of Satan in 2 Corinthians 6:15 Rec.st G T Tr WH, etc. This form is either robe ascribed (as most suppose) to the harsh Syriac pronunciation of the word Βελιαλ (q. v.), or must be derived from יַעַר בֵּל lord of the forest, i. e. who rules over forests and deserts (cf. the Sept. Isaiah 13:21; Matthew 12:43; (BB. DD. under the word , especially Alex.'s Kitto)). Often in ecclesiastical writings

STRONGS NT 955a: βελόνηβελόνη, βελόνης, ἡ (βέλος);

a. the point of a spear.

b. a needle: Luke 18:25 L T Tr WH; see ῤαφίς. ((Batr. 130), Aristophanes, Aeschines, Aristotle, others; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 90.)

“Belial” (Greek: Βελίαρ) expresses utter worthlessness and rebellion against God. While the word appears only once in the Greek New Testament, it draws upon an extensive Old Testament and Second Temple background in which “Belial” functions as both a common noun for depravity and a proper name for the personal embodiment of evil.

Old Testament Background

Hebrew Scripture frequently speaks of “sons of Belial” or “men of Belial” to describe those who are morally bankrupt or lawless (Deuteronomy 13:13; Judges 19:22; 1 Samuel 2:12; 1 Kings 21:10). The label does not merely indict individual transgressions; it signals a settled disposition of hostility toward the covenant and its God. In later Jewish usage, the word began to transcend its adjectival force and served as a virtual title for the satanic adversary himself.

Second Temple Literature

Intertestamental writings further solidify Belial as a personal antagonist to the Lord. In the Dead Sea Scrolls, the War Scroll depicts a cosmic clash between “the sons of light” and the forces of Belial. Jubilees, the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, and the Sibylline Oracles also employ Belial as a proper name for the evil one who deceives humanity. These texts prepare first-century readers to hear Belial in 2 Corinthians 6:15 as a direct reference to Satan.

New Testament Usage (2 Corinthians 6:15)

Paul asks, “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” (Berean Standard Bible). The apostle intentionally places Belial opposite Christ to highlight two irreconcilable realms—the kingdom of God and the domain of darkness. Paul’s contrast undergirds his call for holy separation: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). The name therefore functions not as a mere synonym for evil but as the personal designation of Satan in direct antithesis to the Lord Jesus.

Theological Significance

1. Moral Polarity: Belial represents the apex of moral chaos; Christ embodies perfect righteousness. Scripture tolerates no middle ground between them.
2. Covenant Fidelity: Old Testament references to “sons of Belial” warn God’s people against internal apostasy, while Paul’s usage warns the Church against compromising partnerships that would erode fidelity to Christ.
3. Cosmic Conflict: By naming Belial, Paul acknowledges an ongoing spiritual battle that transcends human institutions. Believers participate in this conflict through allegiance to Christ and separation from evil.

Practical Application for Ministry

• Discipleship and Holiness: Churches must disciple believers to recognize and resist alliances that compromise biblical convictions, whether in business, marriage, or ministry partnerships.
• Spiritual Warfare: Naming the adversary clarifies the nature of opposition. Ministry leaders equip saints with the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) in the confidence that Christ has already triumphed over every principality.
• Cultural Engagement: Paul’s injunction is not a withdrawal from society but a call to distinctiveness. Believers live as lights in the world without adopting the values of Belial’s realm (Philippians 2:15).

Related Concepts and Texts

• Satan (Revelation 12:9) – the dragon, ancient serpent, devil.
• “Ruler of this world” (John 12:31) – another title for the same adversary.
• “Lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9) – the mystery already at work and ultimately headed by “the lawless one.”

Summary

Though occurring only once in the Greek New Testament, Belial carries a rich heritage that personifies lawlessness and enmity toward God. In 2 Corinthians 6:15 Paul wields the term to frame an uncompromising divide: Christ or Belial. The Church’s calling, therefore, is fearless fidelity to Christ, informed recognition of her adversary, and holy separation that magnifies the glory of the gospel.