βελτίων (beltiōn)
beltiōn
better
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word beltion is the comparative form of the adjective agathos, meaning "good." In straightforward usage, it simply means "better," indicating a higher quality or more favorable outcome than something else. It appears in various contexts where a distinction is drawn between two states, choices, or conditions.
However, its most distinctive usage occurs in 2 Timothy 1:18, where Paul asks the Lord to grant mercy to those who helped him in Ephesus. Here, beltion functions as an adverb meaning "very well" or "exceedingly." This elative use intensifies the request, asking for a measure of mercy that is not merely better than average, but surpassing in degree. This specific application highlights how Greek comparatives can stretch to express superlative emphasis.
While the word itself carries no unique theological weight beyond its root meaning of goodness, its occasional adverbial use demonstrates the flexibility of New Testament Greek. Translators must carefully distinguish between the standard comparative "better" and this intensified sense of "very well," as seen in the textual variants noted in Acts 10:28.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word beltion simply means better, showing a preference for one thing over another. It reminds us that God’s ways often surpass our own expectations. When we choose kindness or patience, we are stepping into a better path than the one of anger or haste.
In 2 Timothy 1:18, Paul uses this word to describe how well his friends served him in Ephesus. He does not just say they were good; he says they did very well. This shows that God notices and values faithful service. Even small acts of help are seen by Him.
May you find peace in knowing that your efforts matter. Trust that God sees your heart and rewards your loyalty to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- very well1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βέλτιον1×
Key Verses
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II Timothy 1:18
(the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.
Paul uses beltion as an adverb meaning very well to emphasize the exceptional service of his friends in Ephesus.