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βία

bía

G970 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Force exerted physically or metaphorically; the exercise of power to compel, restrain, or overcome resistance. In broader contexts, refers to violence or the use of coercive measures, sometimes emphasizing constraint, compulsion, or the imposition of will by physical or psychological means. In literature, can denote overarching natural forces or overwhelming circumstances beyond personal control.

Semantic Range

force, violence, physical strength, coercion, constraint, application of power, compulsion, overwhelming circumstance, energetic striving

Root / Etymology

From the root βί-; related to the noun βίος (life), but distinct in its focus on force and might rather than the state of life itself. The relationship to βίος is likely through the sense of vital energy or forceful living, but already in early Greek the two words developed separate semantic fields. There is no evidence for borrowing from non-Greek languages.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek (beginning with Homer), βία is used to denote physical strength, might, or forcefulness, often as an agent or personified power (e.g., Βία as a divinity of force). By the time of the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term covers both literal violence (physical attack or coercion) and broader metaphorical force (pressure, compulsion, overwhelming circumstance). In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 11:12, Luke 16:16), βία can connote both direct violence and energetic striving or forceful action, leading to interpretive debates about whether texts refer to actual violence or to urgent, forceful pursuit (e.g., 'the kingdom of God suffers violence'). English translation as 'violence' is frequent but can obscure the word's spectrum from physical coercion to psychological or circumstantial compulsion. In the Septuagint it often renders Hebrew words for oppression or violence but can also indicate compulsion by authority. Contrasts with κράτος (power, dominion), which emphasizes strength or rule more than forcible compulsion. βία rarely bears a positive sense, though in some contexts assertiveness or energetic striving is not negative.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to βίος (through the idea of vital activity); force:--violence.

Root Family

βία (bía) — force, violence, compulsion

Root βί- force, violence, compulsion

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G970-02 βίας bias N GEN F SG violence of force violence 3
G970-01 βίαν bian N ACC F SG violence force force 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G970-02 Acts 5:26 βίας bias N GEN F SG violence of force force
G970-01 Acts 21:35 βίαν bian N ACC F SG violence force force
G970-02 Acts 24:7 βίας bias N GEN F SG violence of force violence
G970-02 Acts 27:41 βίας bias N GEN F SG violence of force violence
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