Lexical Summary beltión: Better Original Word: βελτίων 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 Originadverb from the cptv. of agathos Definition better NASB Translation very well (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 957: βελτίωνβελτίων, 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. Relation to the Wider ‘Better’ Motif in Scripture While βέλτιον itself appears only once, the “better” theme courses through both Testaments: 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. 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 béltionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |