Force

"firm, secure," is translated "of force" (present usage would translate it "in force") in Hebrews 9:17 , of a testament, or covenant, in relation to a death. See FIRM.

"to snatch away, carry off by force," is used in the next sentence in Matthew 11:12 , to that referred to under No. 1, "men of violence (AV 'the violent') take it by force," the meaning being, as determined by the preceding clause, that those who are possessed of eagerness and zeal, instead of yielding to the opposition of religious foes, such as the scribes and Pharisees, press their way into the kingdom, so as to possess themselves of it. It is elsewhere similarly rendered in John 6:15 , of those who attempted to seize the Lord, and in Acts 23:10 , of the chief captain's command to the soldiers to rescue Paul. See CATCH , PLUCK , PULL. Cp. diarpazo, "to plunder," e.g., Matthew 12:29 , and sunarpazo, "to seize and carry away," e.g., Acts 6:12 , and harpax, "rapacious, ravening," e.g., Matthew 7:15 .