"also written as a middle deponent, βιάζομαι, to urge, constrain, overpower by force; to press earnestly forward, to rush, Lk. 16:16; pass. to be an object of a forceful movement, Mt. 11:12*"
Definition and meaning
also written as a middle deponent, βιάζομαι, to urge, constrain, overpower by force; to press earnestly forward, to rush, Lk. 16:16; pass. to be an object of a forceful movement, Mt. 11:12*
In the original Greek the word is written: βιάζω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of biazo (G971) across the King James Bible.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G971 (biazo) is a Greek word that means: also written as a middle deponent, βιάζομαι, to urge, constrain, overpower by force; to press earnestly forward, to rush, Lk. 16:16; pass. to be an object of a forceful movement, Mt. 11:12* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word biazo (G971) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G971 is biazo, a Greek word defined as: also written as a middle deponent, βιάζομαι, to urge, constrain, overpower by force; to press earnestly forward, to rush, Lk. 16:16; pass. to be an ob. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
biazo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.