973. biastés
Lexical Summary
biastés: Violent man, forceful man

Original Word: βιαστής
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: biastés
Pronunciation: bee-as-tace'
Phonetic Spelling: (bee-as-tace')
KJV: violent
NASB: violent men
Word Origin: [from G971 (βιάζω - forcing his way)]

1. a forcer
2. (figuratively) energetic

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 Origin
from biazó
Definition
a violent man
NASB Translation
violent men (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 973: βιαστής

βιαστής, βιαστου, (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.
2. Transition of Revelation. By linking the statement to “the days of John the Baptist,” Jesus marks a watershed in redemptive history: prophetic anticipation gives way to present fulfillment (Matthew 11:13-15). The arrival of the kingdom invites decisive action now.
3. Paradox of Peace and Conflict. While the gospel proclaims peace (Ephesians 2:17), it simultaneously provokes conflict—internally with the flesh (Galatians 5:17) and externally with worldly systems (John 15:18-19). The lone occurrence of Strong’s 973 captures that tension.

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).
• Encouragement amid Opposition. When resistance arises—whether cultural, familial, or demonic—Matthew 11:12 reassures disciples that such conflict is neither unexpected nor futile. The kingdom is worth contending for, and its victory is certain (Revelation 11:15).
• Warning against Carnal Methods. The same verse also cautions against attempting to advance God’s kingdom through coercion or force. Jesus rebuked sword-wielding zeal (Matthew 26:52) and clarified that His servants fight with spiritual, not carnal, weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Related Biblical Themes

• Zeal for God (Psalm 69:9; Romans 12:11)
• Persevering Faith (Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 10:36)
• Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18)
• The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-33)

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 biastaì
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 11:12 N-NMP
GRK: βιάζεται καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν
NAS: suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.
KJV: and the violent take
INT: is taken by violence and [the] violent seize it

Strong's Greek 973
1 Occurrence


βιασταὶ — 1 Occ.

972
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