βίαιος (biaios)
biaios
strong
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective biaios describes something that is violent, forcible, or strong. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 2:2, where it modifies the sound of a rushing wind that filled the house. This usage highlights an intensity that cannot be ignored, conveying a physical force rather than a metaphorical one.
Its root lies in the noun for violence or force, linking the word to concepts of power and impact. While often translated as "violent," it can simply mean "strong" when describing natural phenomena, as seen in this singular biblical instance. The term carries a weight that suggests an overwhelming presence, marking the event as significant and undeniable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word biaios appears just once in the New Testament, describing the powerful sound of a rushing wind that filled the upper room in Acts 2:2. This single occurrence reminds us that God’s presence is not always quiet or subtle. Sometimes He moves with an intensity that demands our full attention, shaking our comfort zones to make His point clear.
For your faith, this suggests that divine encounters can be overwhelming yet purposeful. When life feels chaotic or loud, it may not be a sign of abandonment but rather an invitation to recognize God’s active power. The same force that filled that room is available to bring clarity and courage to your own circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- violent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βιαίας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:2
Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
This verse uses biaios to describe the physical intensity of the wind's sound, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's arrival was an undeniable, powerful event rather than a quiet whisper.