And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

MATTHEW 11:12KJV
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Matthew 11:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:12 mean?

Matthew 11:12 says that from the time of John the Baptist until Jesus’ present moment, the kingdom of heaven has been experiencing forceful opposition, and forceful people are seizing it. The verse uses strong language to describe how people are responding to God’s kingdom—either by striving to enter it or by opposing it with intensity.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd about John the Baptist’s role and the arrival of God’s kingdom. The verse highlights a time of great spiritual activity and conflict, as people react strongly to the message of repentance and the coming of God’s rule. The language points to both the eagerness and the resistance that surround Jesus’ ministry and the changes it brings.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:12

  • The word βιάζεται (biazetai, “suffereth violence”) carries the sense of being forcefully pressed or attacked. This shows that the kingdom is not advancing quietly but is met with strong reactions.
  • The word βιασταί (biastai, “the violent”) refers to people who use force or display zeal. This can mean those who are determined to enter the kingdom, or those who oppose it with aggression.
  • The verb ἁρπάζουσιν (harpazousin, “take it by force”) means to seize or snatch away. This emphasizes the intensity with which people are trying to lay hold of the kingdom, whether for good or for ill.

Why Matthew 11:12 matters

  • Matthew 11:12 clears up the idea that the kingdom of heaven is a passive or easy thing to enter; instead, it is surrounded by struggle and strong reactions.
  • The verse highlights the turning point in history marked by John the Baptist, showing that his message stirred up a new level of urgency and conflict about God’s rule.
  • Understanding the strong language here helps explain why Jesus’ ministry drew such passionate responses, both positive and negative, from the people around him.

Where else these words appear

“violence” Greek G971 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

“take” Greek G726 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
  • John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

“Baptist” Greek G910 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Matthew 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
  • Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

“now” Greek G737 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.