Bible Dictionary
BEHALF
“On behalf of” means on the part of, in the interest of, or for the benefit of another. The expression may indicate assistance or representation, but it does not by itself necessarily mean substitution.
Definition
“On behalf of” means on the part of, in the interest of, for the benefit of, or concerning another. The expression may indicate assistance or representation, but the underlying word does not by itself require the meaning of substitution.
Biblical Usage
Biblical usage includes acting on someone’s side, in someone’s interest, or for someone’s good. In connection with Christ, it may describe service in His cause or concern for His interests.
Historical Background
The entry explains the Greek preposition huper, literally “over.” One who shelters or stands over another may suffer in that person’s stead, but the word itself can equally mean acting in the person’s behalf.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be-haf': "On the part of" (Ex 27:21, i.e. so far as it affects them); "on the side of" (Job 36:2). For huper, "over," in the sense of furnishing assistance, as in 2Co 5:20, "in the interest of Christ" (2Co 5:21); "for our good," "in his cause" (Php 1:29); also, often in 2 Cor, in general sense of "concerning" (2Co 5:12; 7:4; 8:24; 9:2; 12:5). Huper does not of itself indicate substitution, although one who shelters ("is over") another, suffers "in his stead" (the King James Version 2Co 5:20), as well as "in his behalf."</p>