The Hebrew word beliyya'al (H1100) is one of the most theologically charged terms in the Old Testament, meaning worthlessness, wickedness, or destruction. It is likely a compound of beli (without) and ya'al (profit/benefit), meaning 'without worth' or 'without profit.' In later Hebrew and in the New Testament, Belial became a name for Satan himself (2 Corinthians 6:15).
The phrase 'son(s) of Belial' (bnei beliyya'al) appears frequently in the Old Testament to describe thoroughly wicked people who corrupt the community, violate the covenant, and lead others into sin (Judges 19:22; 1 Samuel 2:12). It is the most intense expression of moral worthlessness — people who are destructive to themselves and others. In 2 Corinthians 6:15, Paul uses 'Belial' as an antithesis to Christ, showing how the term developed into a title for the adversary of God. The Christian is called to have no accord with Belial, symbolizing the radical separation between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness.