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NASB | Matthew 11:12 "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 11:12 "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]. |
Bible Question: What is the meaning of Matthew 11:12? I have heard several theories, but it is a confusing verse for most. I'm am not so sure about the Amplified's brackets on this one. I am studying Mat. tonight and decided to ask you kind folks your interpretation. Many thanks. Jim. |
Bible Answer: Jim, one of the wonders of Scripture is that it is its own best interpreter. Go to Luke 16:16. It sheds considerable light on Matthew 11:12. Luke says, "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached and everyone is pressing into it." While the self-righteous Pharisees were busy ridiculing and disclaiming the authority of Christ, the sinners were "pressing into" His kingdom in great numbers. The language of the expression "pressing into" connotes the use of violent force, which is exactly how Matthew describes it. The probable meaning, therefore, that both Matthew and Luke, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, were seeking to convey was, by painting such a vivid word picture, to make a powerful signification of the zeal with which sinners were seeking to their utmost, with all their heart, to enter the kingdom of God. ..... Christians should pray that today sinners would be so zealous to follow Christ they would beat the door down to enter His church! --Hank |