G971

1. Overview

βιάζω (transliterated as biázō, pronounced bee-AH-zo) is a Greek verb that primarily means “to force,” “to compel,” or “to use violence.” This word is rooted in the Greek noun βία (bía), which signifies force or violence, and it is closely related to the broader concept of exerting power or coercion, whether physically or metaphorically.

The verb biázō is used in the New Testament to describe actions where force or compulsion is involved. It can imply both physical and moral force, depending on the context in which it is used. The term carries connotations of pressing urgency or aggressive action, and it often describes situations where someone or something is being compelled to act against their will or under pressure.

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2. Detailed Description

In the New Testament, biázō appears in contexts that emphasize the idea of forceful action or compulsion. The verb is used in Matthew 11:12 and Luke 16:16, both of which depict the kingdom of heaven or God’s rule as something that people press into or seize forcefully. These passages highlight the intensity and determination required to enter the kingdom, using the metaphor of forceful entry to describe the urgency and effort involved.

According to BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), biázō means “to use force,” “to compel,” or “to press violently.” BDAG notes that the term can be applied in both literal and figurative contexts, indicating either physical force or a more metaphorical kind of compulsion. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines biázō as “to force” or “to press,” and it emphasizes the intensity of the action described by the verb. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words also reflects this understanding, describing biázō as a term that conveys the use of force, either physically or metaphorically, to achieve a particular goal.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) expands on the definition by including classical Greek uses of the term, where biázō could refer to both literal acts of violence and more abstract forms of compulsion or pressure. The term was often used in situations where one party exerted power or influence over another, whether through physical means or through other forms of pressure.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, biázō was a common term used to describe acts of force, coercion, or compulsion in various contexts:

1. Herodotus: In his Histories, Herodotus uses biázō to describe situations where force or compulsion was used in political or military contexts. For example, it might describe the forceful actions of a ruler who compels his subjects to follow certain policies or the pressure exerted by one nation over another.
2. Thucydides: In The History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides uses biázō to describe the forceful seizure of territory or the pressing urgency of military action. The term is often used in the context of war, where power and compulsion are critical elements of the narrative.
3. Sophocles: In his plays, Sophocles employs biázō to depict situations where characters are compelled to act against their will, whether through physical force or psychological pressure. The term is used to convey the tension between individual will and external compulsion, a common theme in Greek tragedy.

These examples illustrate the broad applicability of biázō in classical literature, where the term could describe a wide range of forceful actions, from physical violence to moral or psychological pressure.

4. Summary

βιάζω (biázō) is a Greek verb that conveys the idea of force, compulsion, or pressing urgency. Rooted in the noun bía, which means force or violence, biázō emphasizes the application of power, whether physical, moral, or psychological, to achieve a particular outcome. In the New Testament, biázō is used to describe the forceful effort required to enter the kingdom of heaven, highlighting the intensity and determination needed for such an endeavor.

Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and LSJ consistently define biázō as a term denoting force or compulsion, with applications ranging from literal violence to more abstract forms of pressure. The term is recognized for its flexibility in describing situations where power or influence is exerted, whether through physical means or through more subtle forms of coercion.

In classical Greek literature, biázō appears in a variety of contexts, from political and military force to the psychological compulsion seen in Greek tragedy. The term’s usage across different genres underscores its significance as a concept that encapsulates the exertion of power and the tension between individual will and external force.

In conclusion, biázō is a powerful verb that reflects the ancient Greek understanding of force and compulsion. Its usage in both the New Testament and classical literature highlights the various ways in which power can be applied, making it a term rich in both literal and metaphorical meaning.