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Matthew 11

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

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

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What does Matthew 11:12 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 11:12 is one that has puzzled theologians over the centuries due to its seemingly cryptic nature.

At a first glance, it suggests that the kingdom of heaven is under some form of attack ("suffereth violence"), and this realm is seized by forceful individuals ("the violent take it by force").

Some scholars interpret this passage as Jesus' commentary on the aggressive response of some people to John the Baptist's message and Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom.

The 'violence' here may refer to people's zealous and earnest determination to enter the kingdom, with the term 'violent' denoting those who are eagerly pressing into it.

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Historical Context

During the time this verse was spoken, John the Baptist had been imprisoned, and Jesus was confronting opposition to His own ministry.

The historical backdrop includes the eschatological expectation among the Jews for the coming kingdom of God.

John and Jesus both called for repentance because the kingdom of heaven was at hand.

This verse reflects the radical transformation and the fierce urgency with which some people seized the opportunity to enter the kingdom of heaven, much like people might forcibly seize a city or kingdom in a more literal, physical sense.

Theological Insights

Different theological insights can be derived from this verse.

Some understand it as representing the active force needed to reject sin and embrace the Kingdom's values.

Another perspective views it through the lens of eschatological urgency, suggesting that the declaration of the kingdom's presence invokes a form of spiritual warfare, where 'violence' refers to the struggle against spiritual forces opposing God's reign.

Additionally, some theologians see this as a statement about the radical change in religious practice and tradition that Jesus' message necessitated, challenging the social and religious status quo.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can inspire believers to pursue the kingdom of heaven with passionate commitment, much like an athlete or a warrior might strain toward victory.

It emphasizes an active, not passive, stance towards faith , suggesting that believers should not wait complacently for the kingdom but should actively press into it.

It may also inspire courage in the face of opposition or hardship, revealing that the kingdom is worth fighting for.

Cross-References

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."
John 6:27 "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, "suffereth violence" is translated from "biazetai," which can mean to press violently or force one's way.

The term for 'violent' is "biastai," which can refer to those who are forceful or energetic. Understanding these original terms provides depth to the interpretation of the verse and underscores the intensity and urgency associated with the kingdom of heaven at the time of Jesus' ministry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The metaphor of seizing a kingdom by force can be found in various cultural and religious texts, where kingship and divine authority often involve struggles and challenges.

In many mythologies, the hero may need to overcome significant obstacles or even battle gods to establish a new order.

Applying this archetype to this verse positions the kingdom of heaven as a state that demands active engagement and perhaps struggle to enter.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly relate to any specific scientific concepts, it could metaphorically correlate with the idea of chaos before order in various scientific theories, such as entropy and thermodynamics in physics or evolution in biology, where systems may go through vigorous or intense changes before achieving stability or a new form.

The notion of a determined, forceful approach to change is a principle that resonates in many natural processes.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and commentators have offered varying interpretations of this verse.

For instance, John Calvin sees the 'violence' as a positive energy exerted by believers, pressing into the kingdom despite obstacles.

William Barclay suggests that it portrays the idea of an urgent crisis that demands a decision - the kingdom is not something one drifts into but rather seizes with commitment.

Meanwhile, some commentators, such as Craig Keener, argue that the 'violence' could reflect the societal disruption caused by the kingdom's arrival, upsetting social norms and demanding an ethical transformation.

Matthew 11

Matthew 11

What does Matthew 11:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 11:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?