### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **biastḗs**, represented by `{{G973}}`, defines a **forcer** or one who is **violent**. Figuratively, it denotes someone who is **energetic**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G973}}` is in Matthew’s gospel. The verse states, "from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the **violent** take it by force" [[Matthew 11:12]]. In this passage, **biastḗs** describes the specific type of person who is able to seize the kingdom of heaven. The context suggests a powerful, deliberate, and forceful effort is associated with this action.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of `{{G973}}` in its biblical context:
* `{{G971}}` **biázō** (to force, press, suffer violence): As the root of **biastḗs**, this verb describes the action being done to the kingdom. It appears in the same verse, where the kingdom "suffereth violence" [[Matthew 11:12]], and also in a parallel passage where every man "presseth" into the kingdom of God [[Luke 16:16]].
* `{{G726}}` **harpázō** (to seize, catch away, pluck, pull, take by force): This verb describes the action performed by the **violent** `{{G973}}`. In [[Matthew 11:12]], the **violent** "take it by force" `{{G726}}`. This same word is used elsewhere to mean being "caught up" [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]] or "pulling" someone from danger [[Jude 1:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G973}}` is concentrated in its singular, powerful image of entering the kingdom.
* **Energetic Pursuit:** The term defines a person who is not passive but is an active **forcer**. This points to a required spiritual earnestness and energy in pursuing God's kingdom.
* **Forceful Seizure:** The **violent** `{{G973}}` are those who actively "take" the kingdom using force `{{G726}}`. This highlights a dramatic shift occurring since the time of John the Baptist, where a new level of decisive action is required for entry.
* **Pressing Into the Kingdom:** The related verb **biázō** `{{G971}}` is used to show that "every man presseth into" the kingdom [[Luke 16:16]], reinforcing the idea that obtaining it is an active, forceful endeavor.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G973}}` **biastḗs**, while appearing only once, offers a profound insight. It is not a term of negative aggression, but rather of intense, focused spiritual energy. Through its context in [[Matthew 11:12]], it illustrates that the kingdom of heaven is a prize to be won by the forceful, the zealous, and the spiritually energetic who actively press in and seize it.
TRV