Lexical Summary biastés: Violent man, forceful man Original Word: βιαστής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance violent. From biazo; a forcer, i.e. (figuratively) energetic -- violent. see GREEK biazo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 973 biastḗs – positive assertiveness; used of the believer living in faith ("God's inworked persuasions") guiding and empowering them to act forcefully – i.e. "fired up" by God to act by His revelation. It is used only in Mt 11:12. See 971 (biazō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom biazó Definition a violent man NASB Translation violent men (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 973: βιαστήςβιαστής, βιαστου, ὁ (biazoo]); 1. strong, forceful: Pindar Ol. 9, 114 (75); Pythagoras 4, 420 (236; but Pindar only uses the form βιατας, so others). 2. using force, violent: Philo, agric. § 19. In Matthew 11:12 those are called βιασταί by whom the kingdom of God βιάζεται, i. e. who strive to obtain its privileges with the utmost eagerness and effort. Topical Lexicon Form and Occurrence Strong’s Greek 973 appears once in the New Testament, in Matthew 11:12. The term describes certain “forceful” or “violent” men in relation to the kingdom of heaven: “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it” (Matthew 11:12). Historical Setting Matthew records a period marked by political ferment, messianic expectation, and religious upheaval. John the Baptist’s prophetic call had stirred Israel to repentance (Matthew 3:1-6). Zealot agitation was increasing, and crowds pressing to receive baptism hinted at a growing eagerness—even urgency—for God’s reign. Against this backdrop, Jesus speaks of people who are not content with complacent religion; they “seize” the kingdom with decisive resolve. Some interpreters see a reference to literal agitators (for example, zealots hoping for a militant Messiah). Others view the description as figurative, portraying earnest seekers who will not be deterred by opposition or social pressure. Theological Implications 1. Urgency of Response. The kingdom does not yield to casual interest. Jesus’ wording parallels Luke 16:16, where “everyone is forcing his way into it.” Together with exhortations such as “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 13:24) and “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), Scripture depicts salvation as requiring deliberate, whole-hearted pursuit. Spiritual and Pastoral Application • Holy Determination. Believers are called to pursue Christ with the same intensity pictured in Matthew 11:12—an attitude that Puritan writers labeled “holy violence.” It is not physical aggression but spiritual fervor expressed in prayer (Colossians 4:12), obedience (James 1:22), and perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-3). Related Biblical Themes • Zeal for God (Psalm 69:9; Romans 12:11) Cautions and Misuse Throughout church history some have cited Matthew 11:12 to justify military or political force in Christ’s name. Such misuse contradicts clear apostolic teaching on gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-25) and love for enemies (Matthew 5:44). The “violence” commended is the vigorous pursuit of righteousness, never the oppression of others. In sum, Strong’s Greek 973 serves as a concise reminder that entry into God’s kingdom demands earnest, proactive faith. Every generation must seize that call, resisting both apathy and fleshly aggression, trusting that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). Forms and Transliterations βιασται βιασταί βιασταὶ βιβασθήναι biastai biastaìLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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