βιαστής
biastḗs
G973 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An active or forceful person; one who applies force or exhibits energetic initiative (often with the sense of overcoming resistance or acting assertively). In certain contexts, denotes those who forcibly pursue aims, sometimes with reference to entering or advancing into something by vigorous action.
Semantic Range
one who uses force, energetic person, person acting assertively, one who forcefully pursues or seizes, violent person (in specific contexts), vigorous pursuer
Root / Etymology
From βιάζω ('to force, to use strength; to press, to constrain'); -τής ending forms an agent noun indicating a person who acts with force or forcefulness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
βιαστής is an uncommon noun in Greek literature, with very limited attestation prior to the New Testament period. The term does not appear in classical Greek and is extremely rare in Hellenistic sources, with its primary attested usage in Matthew 11:12. Here, it refers to individuals who, with energetic determination, are entering or 'taking by force' the 'kingdom of the heavens.' The context is debated: it may imply those who pursue entrance with ardor and resoluteness, or may allude to opposition or violence directed towards the kingdom. Standard English translations (e.g., 'violent men,' 'forceful people') may overemphasize physical violence; the word can also mean energetically assertive or forceful, not necessarily violent in a negative sense. The agentive -τής suffix parallels other Greek nouns for people characterized by an action (e.g., πειραστής, 'tempter'). Its nuance thus depends on context: it can emphasize energy, assertiveness, or (less commonly) aggressive violence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from βιάζω; a forcer, i.e. (figuratively) energetic:--violent.
Root Family
βιαστής (biastēs) — one who uses force, forceful person, assertive actor, vigorous pursuer
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G973-01 |
βιασταὶ | biastai | N NOM M PL |
violent | forceful ones | forceful ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G973-01 |
Matthew 11:12 | βιασταὶ | biastai | N NOM M PL |
violent | forceful ones | forceful ones |