Lexical Summary biazó: to force, to seize, to press Original Word: βιάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance press, suffer violence. From bios; to force, i.e. (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized -- press, suffer violence. see GREEK bios HELPS Word-studies 971 biázō – properly, to use power to forcibly seize, laying hold of something with positive aggressiveness. 971 /biázō ("to advance forcefully") is only used twice in the NT (both times positively). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bia Definition to force NASB Translation forcing his way (1), suffers violence (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 971: βιάζωβιάζω: (βία); to use force, to apply force; τινα, to force, inflict violence on, one; the active is very rare and almost exclusively poetic (from Homer down); passive (Buttmann, 53 (46)) in Matthew 11:12 ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ οὐρανοῦ βιάζεται, the kingdom of heaven is taken by violence, carried by storm, i. e. a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought for with the most ardent zeal and the intensest exertion; cf. Xenophon, Hell. 5, 2, 15 (23) πόλεις τάς βεβιασμενας; (but see Weiss, James Morison, Norton, in the place cited). The other explanation: the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence namely, from its enemies, agrees neither with the time when Christ spoke the words, nor with the context; cf. Fritzsche, DeWette, Meyer, at the passage, middle, βιάζομαι followed by εἰς τί to force one's way into a thing, (ἐς τήν Ποτιδαιαν, Thucydides 1, 63; ἐς τό ἔξω, 7, 69; εἰς τήν παρεμβολήν, Polybius 1, 74, 5; εἰς τά ἐντός, Philo, vit. Moys. i., § 19; εἰς τό στρατόπεδον, Plutarch, Otho 12, etc.): εἰς τήν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, to get a share in the kingdom of God by the utmost earnestness and effort, Luke 16:16. (Compare: παραβιάζομαι.) Topical Lexicon Definition in Usage The verb conveys the idea of exerting strong, even aggressive energy to accomplish an aim. In Scripture it is applied metaphorically to spiritual matters rather than to physical violence. Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 11:12 – Jesus states that “from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is subjected to violence, and the violent lay claim to it.” Historical Setting Both sayings were delivered during Jesus’ Galilean ministry when multitudes were flocking to hear Him and John the Baptist. Jewish expectation of the kingdom had reached a fever pitch under Roman occupation. John’s arrest (Matthew 11:2) had intensified the urgency; many believed the promised age was breaking in and pressed forward with unusual zeal. Exegetical Considerations 1. Passive or Middle Sense: Scholars debate whether the kingdom “suffers violence” (passive) or “advances forcefully” (middle). Either way, the picture is one of intense conflict surrounding entrance into God’s reign. Theological Themes Bold Discipleship Entering Christ’s kingdom is portrayed as warfare. It demands whole-hearted repentance (Acts 2:37-38), costly self-denial (Luke 9:23), and perseverance (Hebrews 10:36). Grace initiates, yet grace summons a vigorous response. Transition of Revelation “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John” (Luke 16:16) marks a watershed. With John, the eschatological kingdom arrived in embryonic form; therefore complacency is no longer possible. Forceful pursuit reflects recognition that the long-awaited promise is now present in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Spiritual Warfare Paul echoes the motif: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12) and “Run in such a way as to take the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). The same aggressive language underscores prayer (Colossians 4:12 “struggling in prayer”) and evangelism (Philippians 1:27-30). Paradox of Divine Initiative and Human Response Salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) yet believers are commanded to “make every effort” (2 Peter 1:5) and to “strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 13:24). The verb captures that tension: the kingdom is entered only by those who rely entirely on God yet refuse passivity. Ministry Significance Preaching Calls to follow Christ should be framed not as casual invitations but as summonses to wholehearted allegiance (Matthew 10:37-39). The imagery warns against easy-believism and encourages decisive commitment. Discipleship Training New believers must grasp that Christian life involves disciplined habits—prayer, Scripture intake, fellowship, and mission—pursued with the same urgency Jesus commends (Acts 2:42-47). Pastoral Counseling Those weary in spiritual battle are reminded that forceful laying hold of the kingdom is normal Christian experience (2 Timothy 4:7). Assurance rests in Christ’s finished work, yet perseverance is indispensable evidence of genuine faith (Hebrews 3:14). Missions Luke 16:16 implies the gospel proclamation creates a press of souls. Evangelists labor with expectation that God will draw people who respond with earnestness equal to the treasure offered (Matthew 13:44-46). Warnings and Balance Not Physical Violence Jesus immediately forbade Peter’s sword (Matthew 26:52). Any use of the term to justify coercion contradicts the teaching and example of the Lord who conquered by the cross (Philippians 2:8-11). Guarding Against Legalism Zeal must remain anchored in Christ’s righteousness (Romans 10:2-4). The “force” is the Spirit-empowered resolve that springs from new birth, not human merit (John 3:3-8). Christological Fulfillment The ultimate “violence” fell upon the King Himself. At the cross the kingdom endured assault, yet through that very suffering Jesus secured victory for all who believe (Colossians 2:15). Therefore believers now press on with confidence that the outcome is guaranteed (Revelation 12:11). Summary Strong’s Greek 971 portrays the vigorous, determined response elicited by the in-breaking reign of God. It underscores that while salvation is entirely of grace, participation in the kingdom engages the believer’s whole being in resolute, Spirit-empowered pursuit. Until the King returns, disciples are called to keep pressing in, assured that “the One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Forms and Transliterations βιαζεται βιάζεται βιάζη βιασάμενος βιάση βιασώμεθα εβιάσατο biazetai biázetaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 11:12 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: τῶν οὐρανῶν βιάζεται καὶ βιασταὶ NAS: of heaven suffers violence, and violent men KJV: of heaven suffereth violence, and INT: of the heavens is taken by violence and [the] violent Luke 16:16 V-PIM-3S |
    |