Biazō (βιάζω) means to use force, press violently, or to seize/take by force. It appears in the famously difficult Matthew 11:12: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful people lay hold of it." The passive form may mean "is suffering violence" (the kingdom is violently opposed), while the active reading means the kingdom advances forcefully.
Matthew 11:12 with biazō is one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. Two main interpretations: (1) the kingdom advances powerfully, and passionate seekers press into it; (2) the kingdom suffers violent opposition from its enemies. Both readings carry profound truth. The kingdom of God is not for the passive or half-hearted — it demands everything. Jesus said "the violent take it by force" — perhaps describing those who pursue the kingdom with desperate urgency, like Jacob wrestling the angel: "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:26).