βιάζω (G971) — Greek Lexicon

βιάζω

biázō

G971 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To use force or violence, to apply compulsion; in the passive or reflexive, to be compelled or to force one's way. The primary sense is to exercise strong or violent action, whether physically (as in forcing an entry), metaphorically (as in seizing an opportunity or pressing forward), or under duress (as in being subject to force).

Semantic Range

to use force, to act violently, to compel, to oppress, to force one's way, to be subjected to violence, to be compelled or pressed

Root / Etymology

Derived from the noun βία ('force, violence, strength, compulsion'). The verb βιάζω means 'to use force' or 'to compel by force.' Related to other Greek verbs formed from nominal stems with the -ζω suffix indicating the act or process of the noun root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, βιάζω typically has the sense of to use violence or to force someone or something, seen in texts like Herodotus and Thucydides in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In the Hellenistic period, including the Septuagint, its uses are relatively rare, often denoting oppression, violent action, or compulsion. In the New Testament, the verb occurs in a metaphorical sense, as in Matthew 11:12 ('the kingdom of heaven suffers violence'), where it can mean 'to be subjected to force,' or 'to press in forcefully,' depending on the syntactic context and voice (middle/passive). English translations often render βιάζω as 'to use violence,' 'to force,' or 'to press,' but seldom convey the full range between active and reflexive/passive senses. The underlying concept is strong exertion, whether positively (determined striving) or negatively (violence against or oppression). Distinct from verbs meaning 'to work' (ἐργάζομαι) or 'to conquer' (νικαω), βιάζω contains the nuance of compulsion and the overcoming of resistance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βία; to force, i.e. (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized:--press, suffer violence.

Root Family

βιάζω (biazō) — to force, to exert violence, to press, to compel

Root βία- to force, to exert violence, to press

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G971-01`	βιάζεται	biazetai	`V PRS MID IND 3P SG`	is-violently-entered	is forcing itself	is forcing itself	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G971-01`	Matthew 11:12	βιάζεται	biazetai	`V PRS MID IND 3P SG`	suffers-violence	is forcing itself	is forcing itself
`G971-01`	Luke 16:16	βιάζεται	biazetai	`V PRS MID IND 3P SG`	is-violently-entered	is forcing itself	is forcing itself

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