957. beltión
Lexical Summary
beltión: Better

Original Word: βελτίων
Part of Speech: Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: beltión
Pronunciation: bel-tee'-on
Phonetic Spelling: (bel-tee'-on)
KJV: very well
NASB: very well
Word Origin: [neuter of a compound of a derivative of G906 (βάλλω - thrown) (used for the comparative of G18 (ἀγαθός - good))]

1. better

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
very well.

Neuter of a compound of a derivative of ballo (used for the comparative of agathos); better -- very well.

see GREEK ballo

see GREEK agathos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
adverb from the cptv. of agathos
Definition
better
NASB Translation
very well (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 957: βελτίων

βελτίων, βέλτιον, genitive βελτιονος, better; neuter adverbially in 2 Timothy 1:18 (Winers Grammar, 242 (227); Buttmann, 27 (24). Sophocles, Thucydides, others).

Topical Lexicon
Greek Literary Background

Βέλτιον, the neuter comparative of a stem meaning “good, noble, advantageous,” was familiar in classical and Hellenistic Greek for expressing a superior option or a more advantageous state of affairs. Secular writers used it to commend wiser counsel, worthier conduct, or greater advantage. The New Testament retains this common-sense nuance but places it within a redemptive-historical framework.

Biblical Usage

The lone New Testament appearance is in 2 Timothy 1:18, where Paul reminds Timothy: “and you know very well how much service he rendered at Ephesus”. Here βέλτιον strengthens the apostle’s appeal to Timothy’s personal knowledge of Onesiphorus’ ministry. Paul’s choice of the comparative (“better,” “very well”) is pastoral: he is not supplying mere data but urging Timothy to call to mind a living example of steadfast devotion.

Theological Themes: Recognition of Faithful Service

1. Personal Testimony. Paul sets Onesiphorus before Timothy as a model of loyal support at a time when many had “turned away” (2 Timothy 1:15). The comparative “very well” underscores that the evidence of faithfulness stands beyond dispute.
2. Communion of Saints. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to observe and imitate the faith of proven servants (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 16:15-18). βέλτιον in 2 Timothy 1:18 functions as a rhetorical highlighter, drawing attention to a tangible demonstration of love and perseverance.
3. Reward and Mercy. Paul’s prayer that “the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day” (2 Timothy 1:18) situates the commendation within an eschatological horizon. Human acknowledgement is good; divine mercy is better. The single use of βέλτιον therefore points beyond temporal approval to eternal recompense.

Relation to the Wider ‘Better’ Motif in Scripture

While βέλτιον itself appears only once, the “better” theme courses through both Testaments:
• Covenant: “But now Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry… a far better covenant” (Hebrews 8:6).
• Sacrifice: “The blood of Jesus speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).
• Wisdom Literature: “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16).

These texts remind readers that the gospel continually redefines what is truly advantageous, culminating in the surpassing worth of Christ.

Historical and Ministry Significance

Early church tradition identifies Onesiphorus as a respected figure in Ephesus, perhaps even a leader in the house-church network there. Paul’s reference—amplified by βέλτιον—may have circulated as a commendation read aloud in worship, encouraging congregations under pressure. The verse became a template for honouring unnamed laborers whose quiet faithfulness upheld apostolic work.

Reformers and later evangelical commentators drew on 2 Timothy 1:18 to affirm that gratitude toward fellow-workers is not opposed to reliance on grace. Recognizing what is “better” in the service of others magnifies Christ, because every good and perfect gift still originates “from above” (James 1:17).

Pastoral Application

1. Accurate Appreciation. Leaders should articulate specific, verifiable praise—“you know very well”—rather than vague compliments.
2. Encouragement Amid Desertion. Even when others fall away, the memory of better examples nourishes perseverance.
3. Eschatological Focus. Present commendation should always aim at the day when the Lord will “reward each one for what he has done” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Christological Perspective

In Him are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Every comparative term—βέλτιον included—ultimately finds its fullest expression in the excellence of Christ. The believer’s calling is therefore to discern and pursue whatever is truly “better,” confident that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Conclusion

Though βέλτιον surfaces only once in the Greek New Testament, its single appearance is strategically placed to reinforce a key pastoral aim: elevating proven fidelity and directing glory to God. Paul leverages a common Greek comparative to frame an uncommon display of servant-hearted ministry, inviting every generation of readers to esteem what is better in the light of the gospel and the coming Day.

Forms and Transliterations
βελτιον βέλτιον βελτίους βέλτιστα βελτίστη βελτίω βελτίων βερσεχθάν beltion béltion
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Timothy 1:18 Adv
GRK: Ἐφέσῳ διηκόνησεν βέλτιον σὺ γινώσκεις
NAS: and you know very well what
KJV: thou knowest very well.
INT: Ephesus he served better you know

Strong's Greek 957
1 Occurrence


βέλτιον — 1 Occ.

956b
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