βιαστής (biastēs)
biastēs
forceful person
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun biastēs describes a person who is forceful or violent, derived from the root meaning to use strength or power. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 11:12, where Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven suffering violence. The term does not refer to a random aggressor but specifically to someone who exerts intense pressure or eager force.
Lexical sources highlight its connection to vigor and determination rather than mere criminality. It characterizes an individual who is "eager in pursuit," suggesting a relentless drive toward a goal. This usage aligns with the context of spiritual urgency, where believers are called to strive with all their might for the kingdom.
Its rarity in Scripture underscores its specific theological weight. By using this word, the text emphasizes that entering the kingdom requires a decisive, powerful engagement, contrasting with passive indifference. The term captures the dynamic energy needed to overcome obstacles in faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word βιαστὴς (biastēs) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Matthew 11:12. It describes a person who is forceful or violent, but not in the sense of a criminal aggressor. Instead, it points to someone who exerts intense pressure and eager determination toward a goal. This usage highlights a specific kind of spiritual urgency, where believers are called to strive with all their might for the kingdom of heaven.
Entering the kingdom requires a decisive and powerful engagement, contrasting sharply with passive indifference. It is not about physical strength or coercion, but rather a relentless drive to pursue what matters most. This rare term underscores the theological weight of active faith, reminding us that pursuing God demands our full attention and energy. The dynamic energy needed to overcome obstacles in faith is captured here, inviting us to approach spiritual pursuits with vigor and purpose.
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.
- βιασταὶ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:12
From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
This verse uses βιαστὴς to describe those who take the kingdom by force, emphasizing active pursuit rather than passive waiting.