### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bía**, represented by `{{G970}}`, is a term for **force** or **violence**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The word is used to describe physical force, whether from a crowd, an authority figure, or the elements of nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage within the book of Acts, `{{G970}}` consistently appears in contexts of intense physical action or compulsion. It describes the force of a mob, where Paul had to be carried by soldiers "for the **violence** of the people" [[Acts 21:35]]. Conversely, it is also used to describe the actions of authorities, as when the chief captain Lysias used "great **violence**" to take someone away [[Acts 24:7]]. The term can also signify the absence of force, as when the temple captain brought the apostles "without **violence**" out of fear of the populace [[Acts 5:26]]. Finally, its meaning extends to the impersonal, destructive power of nature, as seen when a ship was broken by "the **violence** of the waves" [[Acts 27:41]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **violence** occurs:
* `{{G4183}}` **polýs** (many; much; abundant; great): This adjective is used to describe the magnitude of the force applied. In [[Acts 24:7]], the chief captain intervened with "**great** violence," emphasizing the intensity of the action.
* `{{G520}}` **apágō** (to take off... bring, carry away, lead away): This verb often describes the result of violence. It is used in the account where the chief captain used great force to "**took him away**" [[Acts 24:7]] and is also used to describe how a broad way "**leadeth** to destruction" [[Matthew 7:13]].
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō** (to be alarmed; fear): This word provides the motivation for avoiding violence. In [[Acts 5:26]], the officers refrained from using force because "they **feared** the people, lest they should have been stoned."
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G970}}` lies in its direct portrayal of physical power dynamics.
* **Human Conflict and Authority:** The word is used to frame the struggle between individuals, crowds, and authorities. It highlights the force exerted by an angry mob [[Acts 21:35]] as well as the coercive power used by a Roman captain [[Acts 24:7]].
* **A Force to be Managed:** The instance of bringing the apostles "without **violence**" demonstrates that the application of force is a strategic choice, in this case avoided due to the fear of a greater, retaliatory violence from the people [[Acts 5:26]].
* **The Power of Nature:** By describing the "violence of the waves" [[Acts 27:41]], the word’s scope is broadened beyond human intent to include the uncontrollable and destructive forces of the natural world.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G970}}` is a specific and impactful term that denotes physical force. It is not an abstract concept but a tangible power observed in critical moments within the biblical narrative. From the calculated restraint of officials to the uncontrolled fury of a mob and the overwhelming power of a storm, **bía** marks instances where events are shaped by physical compulsion and destructive force.
TRV