ἐγγύς

Pronunciation Guide: eng-goos’ (with a hard ‘g’ sound)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1451: ἐγγύς (eggys) fundamentally denotes physical or temporal nearness, meaning “near” or “close by” in terms of space, time, or relationship. This proximity word appears frequently in Scripture to indicate not just physical closeness but also spiritual readiness and the imminence of divine action. It often carries theological significance representing the accessibility of God to His people and the urgency of responding to His presence.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adverb
• Root: Possibly derived from ἐν (en, “in”) and γυῖον (guion, “limb”), suggesting something within reach
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Found in narrative sections, prophetic declarations, and theological teaching
• Occurs 31 times in the New Testament
• Also found frequently in the Septuagint (LXX)

ἐγγύς Morphology:

• ἐγγύς – adverbial form meaning “near, close by”
• ἐγγύτερον – comparative form meaning “nearer”
• ἐγγίζω – verbal form meaning “to come near, approach” (related verb)
• ἐγγύτης – noun form meaning “nearness, proximity” (related noun)

Origin & History

The term ἐγγύς has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to denote physical proximity. In works like Homer’s Iliad, the word describes battlefield proximity, while Plato employs it in Phaedo to discuss philosophical concepts of nearness to truth. Its semantic range expanded over time to include not just spatial but also temporal and relational proximity.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἐγγύς took on theological dimensions when translating the Hebrew קָרוֹב (qarov). This significant transition can be seen in passages like Psalm 34:18 (33:19 LXX), where God is described as being “near to the brokenhearted.” The word bridges the gap between human experience and divine presence, establishing a theological concept of God’s accessibility that would later be fully realized in the New Testament through the incarnation of the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical nearness – describing spatial proximity between objects, places, or persons
• Temporal imminence – indicating something soon to occur or at hand
• Relational closeness – denoting intimacy or close association
• Spiritual accessibility – referring to God’s presence being available or approachable
• Covenantal proximity – highlighting the nearness established through divine promise

ἐγγύς Translation Options:

• “Near” – Best used when referring to physical proximity (John 19:42), emphasizing actual spatial closeness
• “At hand” – Most appropriate for temporal contexts (Matthew 26:18), conveying imminence and urgency
• “Close” – Optimal for relational proximity (Ephesians 2:13), capturing the sense of intimate connection
• “Imminent” – Suitable for prophetic contexts (Revelation 1:3), emphasizing the certainty of future events
• “Accessible” – Effective for theological contexts (Hebrews 7:19), highlighting divine availability

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἐγγύς appears in pivotal moments that signal divine action and spiritual significance. Its first appearance in Matthew 24:32 occurs within the Messiah’s eschatological discourse about recognizing the signs of His return, creating a framework of expectancy and watchfulness. This temporal aspect carries through passages like Romans 13:11-12, where spiritual awakening is connected to the nearness of salvation.

The spatial dimension of ἐγγύς features prominently in John’s Gospel, particularly in relation to Jerusalem and the Temple (John 2:13, 11:18). This geographical nearness serves as a literary device highlighting both the physical proximity of Jesus to the center of Jewish worship and the theological significance of His presence replacing the Temple as the meeting place between God and humanity.

Perhaps most theologically rich is the use of ἐγγύς to describe relational proximity between God and believers, as seen in:

• “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near [ἐγγύς].” Matthew 24:32
• “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far [οὐ μακρὰν, opposite of ἐγγύς] from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34
• “But now in Messiah Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near [ἐγγύς] by the blood of Messiah.” Ephesians 2:13
• “The Lord is near [ἐγγύς] to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 (144:18 LXX)
• “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
• “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is near [ἐγγύς].” Philippians 4:5
• “But the word is very near [ἐγγύς] you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” Deuteronomy 30:14 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In Ancient Near Eastern culture, proximity to a ruler or king carried significant implications of favor and privilege. Those permitted to stand near the throne were trusted advisors and beloved friends, while others were kept at a distance. This cultural backdrop illuminates the profound significance of passages that speak of believers being brought “near” to God through the Messiah’s sacrifice (Ephesians 2:13). What would have been understood by first-century readers as an extraordinary privilege—access to the Divine Presence—is presented in the New Testament as the normative reality for all who trust in Jesus.

The Jewish concept of קָרוֹב (qarov, “nearness”) in relation to God was deeply connected to covenant faithfulness. The rabbinical tradition emphasized that God draws near to those who observe His commandments, as expressed in the saying: “When Israel does the will of the Omnipresent, they make the Shekinah dwell among them” (Midrash Sifre). This understanding sheds light on James 4:8, “Draw near [ἐγγίσατε, related to ἐγγύς] to God and He will draw near to you,” revealing how the reciprocal nature of divine-human relationship was understood within Jewish thought, now fulfilled and transformed through the Messiah.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἐγγύς reveals a profound theological truth about God’s character—He is a God who desires proximity with His creation. While many ancient religions portrayed deities as distant and unapproachable, the biblical narrative consistently presents יהוה (Yahweh) as a God who comes near. This divine attribute reaches its fullest expression in the incarnation, where in the Messiah, God is literally “with us” (Emmanuel). The word ἐγγύς thus becomes a powerful descriptor of God’s loving disposition toward humanity, His willingness to bridge the gap that sin created.

ἐγγύς also carries eschatological significance throughout Scripture. The proclamation that “the kingdom of God is at hand” (ἤγγικεν, from the related verb ἐγγίζω) establishes a theological framework of “already but not yet”—God’s rule has broken into history through the Messiah, yet awaits full consummation. This tension creates a spirituality of expectant hope that shapes Christian ethics and worldview. Believers live in the present reality of God’s nearness while anticipating the complete fulfillment of His promises, demonstrating that divine proximity is both a present comfort and future hope.

Personal Application

Understanding ἐγγύς should transform our approach to prayer and spiritual disciplines. When we truly grasp that God is near—not distant or inaccessible—our prayers become confident conversations rather than tentative petitions cast into the void. His proximity invites us to live with constant awareness of His presence, turning ordinary moments into sacred encounters. Consider developing a practice of “proximity prayers”—brief acknowledgments of God’s nearness throughout your day that foster continuous communion with Him.

The nearness of God also offers profound comfort in suffering. When pain threatens to convince us that God has abandoned us, the biblical truth of ἐγγύς reminds us that He is closer than our very breath. As Psalm 34:18 promises, “יהוה is near to the brokenhearted.” This isn’t mere sentiment but divine reality—our suffering never separates us from His presence but often becomes the very space where we experience His nearness most powerfully. In your moments of deepest distress, allow the truth of God’s proximity to be your anchor.

Related Words

• πλησίον (plēsion) – “neighbor, nearby” – While ἐγγύς describes the state of nearness, πλησίον often refers specifically to persons who are near, especially in the famous commandment to “love your neighbor.” Unlike ἐγγύς, it frequently functions as a substantive noun rather than an adverb. See G4139
• ἐγγίζω (engizō) – “to draw near, approach” – The verbal form related to ἐγγύς, expressing the action of coming near rather than the state of nearness. This dynamic aspect emphasizes movement toward proximity rather than static closeness. See G1448
• παρουσία (parousia) – “presence, coming, arrival” – While ἐγγύς describes proximity, παρουσία focuses on the actual arrival and subsequent presence. It carries stronger eschatological connotations, particularly regarding the Messiah’s return. See G3952
• μετά (meta) – “with, among” – Unlike ἐγγύς which describes proximity without necessarily implying connection, μετά emphasizes accompaniment and association, often conveying relationship rather than mere closeness. See G3326
• ἅπτομαι (haptomai) – “to touch, cling to” – Represents the most intimate form of nearness—actual physical contact. While ἐγγύς suggests proximity, ἅπτομαι indicates tangible connection, demonstrating the culmination of nearness. See G680

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the Jewish concept of Makom (מָקוֹם, “place”) as one of God’s names provides a fascinating parallel to ἐγγύς? Rabbinic tradition explains that God is called “the Place” because He is the place of the world, rather than the world being His place. This beautiful concept suggests that divine nearness isn’t just God coming close to us, but that our very existence is encompassed within Him—we are near because we exist within the sphere of His being. The Apostle Paul echoes this concept in Acts 17:28 when he states that “in Him we live and move and have our being.”
• Did you know that in ancient Middle Eastern covenant-making ceremonies, physical proximity played a crucial symbolic role? Parties entering a covenant would walk between divided animal pieces together, signifying their close relationship and shared fate. Understanding this cultural practice adds depth to passages like Ephesians 2:13, where Gentiles who were “far off” are brought “near” through the blood of the Messiah. This language would evoke powerful covenant imagery for first-century readers, suggesting not just closeness but a formal, binding relationship established through sacrifice.
• Did you know that the modern Greek descendant of ἐγγύς is εγγύς (engýs), which still retains the same meaning of “near” or “close by”? In contemporary Greece, you might hear phrases like “το σπίτι μου είναι εγγύς” (my house is nearby). This linguistic continuity across nearly three millennia demonstrates the enduring importance of the concept of proximity in human communication and experience, reflecting our fundamental need for connection and presence—both with each other and with God.

Remember This

ἐγγύς isn’t merely about spatial distance but divine disposition—the God of the universe has chosen to draw near to you, making the infinite gap between Creator and creation a bridgeable distance through the Messiah Jesus, inviting you into the breathtaking privilege of immediate access to His presence.