ἐγγύτερον

Pronunciation Guide: eng-GOO-ter-on (the “g” is pronounced as in “get”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1452: ἐγγύτερον (engyteron) is a comparative adverb meaning “nearer” or “closer.” It expresses proximity in either physical space or time, with particular emphasis on increased closeness compared to a previous state. In biblical usage, it often carries eschatological significance, pointing to the nearness of salvation and redemption in the Messiah.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Comparative adverb
• Root word: ἐγγύς (engys), meaning “near” or “close”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Found in epistolary literature, particularly in theological and eschatological contexts
• Appears only once in the New Testament (Romans 13:11)

ἐγγύτερον Morphology:

• ἐγγύς (engys) – near, close (positive degree)
• ἐγγύτερον (engyteron) – nearer, closer (comparative degree)
• ἔγγιστα (engista) – nearest, closest (superlative degree, though not used in the New Testament)

Origin & History

The term ἐγγύτερον derives from the Greek adverb ἐγγύς (engys), which has been used since classical antiquity to denote physical or temporal proximity. In classical Greek literature, the word appears in works by Plato, particularly in “Phaedo,” where he discusses the soul’s proximity to truth and wisdom. The comparative form ἐγγύτερον emerges as a natural linguistic development to express increasing degrees of nearness.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the root word ἐγγύς appears frequently, often translating the Hebrew קָרוֹב (qarov), as in Psalm 145:18 (LXX 144:18): “The Lord is near (ἐγγὺς) to all who call upon Him.” While the comparative form ἐγγύτερον itself is rare in the LXX, the concept of increasing nearness, particularly regarding Yahweh’s presence and coming salvation, permeates the text. Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata” and Origen in “Against Celsus” utilized ἐγγύτερον when discussing the believer’s progressive journey toward spiritual perfection and the impending return of the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A state of increased proximity in physical space
• A condition of temporal closeness, suggesting imminence
• A relational or spiritual nearness in theological contexts
• An eschatological concept indicating the approaching day of salvation
• A comparative measurement suggesting progress toward a destination

ἐγγύτερον Translation Options:

• “Nearer” – The most direct translation, emphasizing the comparative nature of the proximity
• “Closer than before” – Captures the sense of progression inherent in the comparative form
• “More imminent” – Particularly appropriate in eschatological contexts, conveying the sense of urgency
• “At hand” – Though less literal, this translation effectively communicates the immediacy intended in contexts like Romans 13:11
• “Drawing near” – Conveys the dynamic aspect of the proximity increasing over time

Biblical Usage

The adverb ἐγγύτερον appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 13:11, where Paul writes: “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer [ἐγγύτερον] now than when we first believed.” This singular usage carries profound theological weight, signaling the eschatological tension of the “already but not yet” nature of salvation in the Messiah. The comparative form is significant, as it indicates that salvation has drawn closer than it was at the point of initial belief, suggesting an ongoing progression toward complete fulfillment.

Though the specific comparative form ἐγγύτερον is rare, the root word ἐγγύς appears in several significant New Testament passages that illuminate the concept of divine nearness. In the Septuagint, similar concepts of nearness to God and approaching salvation appear frequently, particularly in prophetic literature. The usage in Romans 13:11 can be seen as the culmination of this biblical theme, emphasizing the increasing proximity of final redemption in the Messianic age.

• “Because our salvation is nearer [ἐγγύτερον] now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11

The root word ἐγγύς appears in these related contexts:

• “The kingdom of heaven is near [ἐγγύς].” Matthew 3:2
• “The Lord is near [ἐγγύς] to all who call on him.” Psalm 145:18 (LXX)
• “But now in the Messiah Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near [ἐγγύς] by the blood of the Messiah.” Ephesians 2:13
• “The Lord is near [ἐγγύς].” Philippians 4:5
• “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near [ἐγγύς].” James 5:8

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish world, the concept of “nearness” carried profound messianic and eschatological implications. The phrase “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (or “near”) was a powerful proclamation that the long-awaited age of redemption was approaching. For Paul’s original audience in Rome, many of whom would have been familiar with Jewish eschatological expectations, the use of ἐγγύτερον would have evoked this sense of living in the decisive moment of history, when Yahweh’s promised redemption was unfolding.

This understanding was shaped by apocalyptic literature that had flourished in Second Temple Judaism, such as the Book of Enoch and parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which frequently described signs of the approaching Day of the Lord. The Jewish concept of olam ha-ba (the world to come) and olam ha-zeh (this present world) created a framework for understanding the “already but not yet” tension that Paul captures with ἐγγύτερον. In this cultural context, to say salvation was “nearer now” was to place believers at a crucial juncture between these two ages—living in the overlap where the Messiah had already come, but the full consummation of His kingdom remained on the horizon.

Theological Significance

The single appearance of ἐγγύτερον in Romans 13:11 serves as a theological linchpin in Paul’s understanding of salvation history. By declaring that “salvation is nearer now than when we first believed,” Paul establishes an eschatological framework that honors both the completed work of the Messiah’s first coming and the anticipated glory of His return. This “already but not yet” tension is central to New Testament theology, recognizing that believers live in an interim period where the Kingdom of God has been inaugurated but awaits final consummation.

The comparative nature of ἐγγύτερον reveals Yahweh’s progressive unfolding of His redemptive plan. Unlike cyclical pagan conceptions of time, the biblical worldview presents history as linear, moving toward a divinely appointed telos. Each day brings us closer to the fulfillment of God’s promises—not through human effort or evolutionary progress, but through the sovereign timing of the Lord who declares “I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). This perspective infuses present suffering and waiting with profound hope, for as Paul asserts elsewhere, “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Personal Application

The concept of ἐγγύτερον challenges believers to live with spiritual alertness and urgency. Paul’s use of this comparative adverb reminds us that the clock of salvation history is ticking forward—our redemption draws nearer with each passing day. This awareness should reshape how we prioritize our time, resources, and relationships. When we truly grasp that we are closer to meeting our Messiah face-to-face than when we first believed, petty conflicts and worldly attachments lose their power over us.

This “nearness” also offers profound comfort in times of suffering. Just as a marathon runner finds renewed strength when the finish line comes into view, so believers can endure present trials by fixing their eyes on the imminent completion of their salvation. Rather than causing us to disengage from this world, the knowledge that salvation is ἐγγύτερον should inspire us to greater faithfulness in our earthly responsibilities—living as kingdom ambassadors who represent the approaching reality of God’s perfect rule. Each day, ask yourself: “How am I living in light of the approaching day? What in my life reflects an awareness that salvation is nearer now than when I first believed?”

Related Words

• ἐγγύς (engys) – near, close; the root form from which ἐγγύτερον derives, expressing proximity in space, time, or relationship. While ἐγγύτερον indicates comparative nearness, ἐγγύς expresses the basic state of being near. See G1451
• ἐγγίζω (engizō) – to come near, approach; a verb form related to the same root, emphasizing the action of drawing near rather than the state of being near. Unlike ἐγγύτερον which describes a condition, ἐγγίζω highlights movement toward proximity. See G1448
• πλησίον (plēsion) – neighbor, one who is near; shares the conceptual field of proximity but focuses more on relational nearness between persons rather than temporal or spatial nearness. While ἐγγύτερον can apply to abstract concepts like salvation, πλησίον typically refers to concrete persons. See G4139
• παρουσία (parousia) – presence, coming, arrival; a term often associated with the Messiah’s return that complements the concept of nearness expressed by ἐγγύτερον. Where ἐγγύτερον emphasizes the comparative closeness of an approaching event, παρουσία focuses on the actual arrival and presence. See G3952
• ταχύ (tachy) – quickly, speedily; conveys urgency similar to ἐγγύτερον but emphasizes the rate of approach rather than the degree of proximity. While ἐγγύτερον focuses on position (being closer), ταχύ focuses on velocity (coming swiftly). See G5035

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the concept embedded in ἐγγύτερον created a revolutionary perspective on time in the ancient world? While Greek philosophers like Aristotle viewed time as potentially infinite and cyclical, and Roman culture emphasized the eternal nature of Rome (Roma aeterna), the early followers of the Messiah understood history as moving purposefully toward a culmination. This “nearer now” perspective transformed how believers viewed each day—not as an indistinguishable unit in endless time, but as a step closer to the fulfillment of all Yahweh’s promises. This perspective fundamentally altered how the early Messianic communities structured their ethics, priorities, and community life.
• Did you know that archaeologists have discovered ancient Jewish prayer texts from the Second Temple period that include petitions for God to hasten the day of redemption? These prayers, including fragments found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, reflect the same eschatological urgency captured in Paul’s use of ἐγγύτερον. One notable example comes from the Qaddish prayer, which includes the petition for God to establish His kingdom “in your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of all the house of Israel, speedily and in the near future.” This cultural background illuminates why Paul’s assertion that salvation was “nearer now” would have resonated powerfully with the Jewish-Christian members of the Roman congregation.
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses ἐγγύτερον (in its Modern Greek pronunciation) in both literal and metaphorical contexts? In contemporary usage, it might describe the nearest exit on a highway, but it can also appear in philosophical or theological discussions about approaching truth or understanding. This linguistic continuity across thousands of years demonstrates the enduring power of this concept to express not just physical proximity but also the human experience of drawing closer to ultimate realities. When Paul chose this comparative form, he was employing a linguistic tool that would continue to communicate the dynamic nature of salvation across cultures and centuries.

Remember This

ἐγγύτερον reminds us that our salvation story is not static but dynamic—with each heartbeat, we draw closer to the day when what began in faith will be completed in glory, when the Messiah who came once in humility will return in splendor, and when the nearness we feel in spirit will become the presence we experience face to face.