Belial

Belial (Hebrew: “Worthlessness” or “Without worth”) is the primary adversary figure in the theology of the Dead Sea Scrolls, where he functions as the leader of the forces of darkness in a cosmic dualistic struggle against God and the angels of light.

In the Community Rule (1QS), the Qumran community described the world as divided between two spiritual powers: the Prince of Light (identified with Michael) and the Angel of Darkness (Belial). Every human soul was believed to have a portion in both realms, and the struggle between light and darkness played out both cosmically and within each individual. The War Scroll (1QM) envisions a final eschatological battle in which the Sons of Light, led by Michael, will defeat the Sons of Darkness under Belial.

In the Hebrew Bible, “belial” appears as a common noun meaning wickedness or worthlessness (“sons of Belial” in Judges and Samuel). By the intertestamental period, it had evolved into a proper name for a specific demonic figure. Paul’s use in 2 Corinthians — the only New Testament occurrence — treats Belial as a direct antithesis to Christ, suggesting the name had become a recognized title for the chief of evil spirits.