βία
bia
force
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word βία (bia) is a noun that translates to "force." Based on its four occurrences in the Bible, we can see that this word is used to describe a powerful or violent action. The word βία seems to connote a sense of strength or coercion, as it is connected to scenarios involving violent takeover, overpowering, or dominance. This sense of force or coercion is not limited to physical strength, but also encompasses emotional or psychological manipulation. Given its limited occurrences in the Bible, βία appears to be a word used sparingly to convey intensity or the exertion of power in a particular situation. Its significance lies in highlighting the consequences of unchecked strength or power, whether it is wielded by individuals or forces beyond human control.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.
Acts 21:35When he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;
Acts 24:7having come up now Lysias the commander with great violence from the hands of us being carried away,
Acts 27:41But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.