Matthew 11:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Since John's preaching began, the kingdom of heaven advances amid struggle, and the forceful lay hold of it.
What Does Matthew 11:12 Mean?
From the days when John began to preach, Jesus says, the kingdom of heaven "suffereth violence." The language is vivid and forceful, picturing a kingdom pressed upon, contended for, seized. Since John's cry of repentance, a great urgency has surrounded the in-breaking reign of God.
Whatever opposition the kingdom meets, it also draws the earnest with irresistible pull. There is a holy intensity in those who refuse to drift past the open door -- who press in, leave all, and lay hold of what God offers. The kingdom is not won by the casual or the comfortable. It calls for the whole heart, for a seeking that will not be turned aside. Such determined longing is exactly what Jesus honors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 11:12
What does Matthew 11:12 mean?
Since John's preaching began, the kingdom of heaven advances amid struggle, and the forceful lay hold of it.