11:12a
From the days of John the Baptist: This phrase refers to the period of time that began with John the Baptist’s preaching.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
And from the time John the Baptist began preaching (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
From the time John preached his message (Good News Translation)
-or-
From the beginning of the work of John
until now: The phrase until now refers to the period of time up till the time when Jesus said these words.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
until this very day (Good News Translation)
-or-
up to today
-or-
until this present time
-or-
up to this time
11:12b
the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence: There are two ways to interpret the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has been subject to violence:
(1) The verb is passive and means that the kingdom is being violently attacked. According to this interpretation, this clause refers to persecution from evil spiritual beings or evil humans who are attacking God’s kingdom. One example of the kingdom being “violently attacked” was that Herod put John in prison and later killed him. Later, Jesus and many of the disciples were also killed. For example:
the Kingdom of heaven has suffered violent attacks (Good News Translation)
(Berean Standard Bible, NIV2011, Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, Contemporary English Version, English Standard Version)
(2) The verb has an active sense and means that the kingdom has been forcefully advancing. According to this interpretation, this clause indicates that God is defeating evil, and he is gathering people into his kingdom. Some examples of the kingdom “forcefully advancing” were that John forcefully preached, and Jesus cast out demons and did other miracles. For example:
the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength (New Century Version)
(New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, New Century Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This interpretation best fits with the next clause “the violent take it by force.” Also, the majority of English versions and commentaries follow this interpretation.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
the kingdom of heaven has been attacked with force
• Use an active verb. In this case, the subject should be “the violent” referred to in 11:12c. For example:
violent people have been attacking the kingdom of heaven
11:12c
the violent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the violent refers to violent/fierce people who are attacking the kingdom.
Here is another way to translate this word:
fierce/evil people
lay claim to it: This clause means that violent men are trying to “seize” the kingdom of God. This again refers to evil people persecuting believers. It also refers to the battle between good and evil.
Here are some other ways to translate this verb:
grab it using force/strength
-or-
capture/plunder it
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