### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐγγίζω (engízō), Strong's number `{{G1448}}`, is derived from the adverb ἐγγύς (engýs) `{{G1451}}`, which means "near" or "at hand." Therefore, the core meaning of ἐγγίζω is "to make near," or more commonly, in its reflexive sense, "to draw near," "to approach," or "to be at hand."
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Spatial Proximity:** Denoting physical movement towards a person, place, or object. This is a literal drawing near in terms of physical distance.
* **Temporal Proximity:** Indicating that a specific time, event, or period is imminent, close at hand, or has already arrived in its initial stages. This conveys a sense of urgency or fulfillment.
* **Relational Proximity (less common):** While not its primary sense, in some theological contexts, it can imply a drawing near in relationship or disposition, particularly in the context of approaching God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐγγίζω appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels, where it often describes both literal and figurative nearness.
In its **spatial sense**, ἐγγίζω is used to describe:
* Jesus' physical approach to various locations, such as cities or villages: "Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives..." [[Matthew 21:1]]. Similarly, "As he drew near to Jericho..." [[Luke 18:35]].
* Individuals or groups drawing near to Jesus or others: "Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him" [[Luke 15:1]].
* The approach of objects or events: "And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it" [[Luke 19:41]].
In its more profound **temporal sense**, ἐγγίζω is consistently employed to convey imminence:
* Most notably, it is used to declare the imminence of the Kingdom of God/Heaven: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" [[Matthew 3:2]] (also [[Matthew 4:17]], [[Mark 1:15]]). This declaration is central to the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. Jesus also instructs his disciples to proclaim, "The kingdom of God has come near to you" [[Luke 10:9]], emphasizing its present reality in their ministry.
* The approach of specific times or events: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" [[Luke 21:28]]. Paul uses it to speak of the nearness of salvation: "for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed" [[Romans 13:11]]. James likewise exhorts believers regarding the Lord's coming: "You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand" [[James 5:8]].
* The approach of the Passover: "Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand" [[John 6:4]].
In a **relational or spiritual sense**, the concept of drawing near to God is also present:
* The author of Hebrews speaks of the new covenant providing a means to draw near to God: "For the law made nothing perfect, but on the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God" [[Hebrews 7:19]]. This highlights the accessibility of God through Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root adverb ἐγγύς (engýs) `{{G1451}}`, meaning "near," "at hand," or "close by." This adverb is often used in parallel or in contexts that reinforce the meaning of ἐγγίζω, such as "The end of all things is at hand" [[1 Peter 4:7]].
Other related concepts and words include:
* ἔρχομαι (erchomai) `{{G2064}}`: "to come," "to go." While broader, ἐγγίζω often specifies the *manner* of coming—by drawing near, indicating proximity.
* φθάνω (phthanō) `{{G5348}}`: "to arrive," "to come sooner than expected." This word can also convey a sense of imminence or arrival, particularly in contexts like "the kingdom of God has come upon you" [[Matthew 12:28]].
* παρουσία (parousia) `{{G3952}}`: "presence," "coming," "arrival." This noun is frequently used to refer to the second coming of Christ, an event that is "at hand" according to New Testament eschatology.
* Proximity and accessibility: The opposite of ἐγγίζω would be words signifying distance, such as μακράν (makran) `{{G3112}}` ("far off") or ἀπέχω (apechō) `{{G568}}` ("to be distant").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐγγίζω is profound, particularly in its temporal usage concerning the Kingdom of God.
1. **The Imminence of the Kingdom:** The repeated declaration that "the Kingdom of God is at hand" (or "has come near") is a central theological truth. It signifies that with the advent of Jesus Christ, God's sovereign reign, previously anticipated in prophetic tradition, has decisively broken into human history. This is not merely a future hope but a present reality that is accessible to humanity. It means that God's saving power, authority, and presence are no longer distant but have drawn near in the person and ministry of Jesus.
2. **God's Accessibility and Initiative:** The use of ἐγγίζω in contexts of drawing near to God (e.g., [[Hebrews 7:19]]) highlights God's initiative in making Himself accessible to humanity through Christ. The old covenant established a distance, but the new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus, provides a means for believers to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" [[Hebrews 10:22]]. This underscores God's desire for intimate relationship.
3. **Urgency and Repentance:** The proclamation of the Kingdom's nearness serves as a call to repentance and readiness. Because God's reign is at hand, a response is required—a turning away from sin and a turning towards God's will. This urgency is amplified when ἐγγίζω refers to the nearness of the Lord's return or the day of judgment, prompting believers to live watchful and holy lives.
4. **The Incarnation:** Jesus' physical drawing near to people and places (as seen in the spatial uses of the word) is a tangible manifestation of God's drawing near to humanity in the Incarnation. God is not an abstract, distant deity, but one who has entered human experience, walked among us, and made Himself known.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐγγίζω (engízō) `{{G1448}}` signifies "to draw near" or "to be at hand," deriving from the root ἐγγύς (engýs) `{{G1451}}`, meaning "near." Its usage in the New Testament encompasses both literal spatial proximity—describing physical approach to persons or places—and, more significantly, temporal proximity, indicating the imminence of events. Theologically, its most impactful application is the declaration that "the Kingdom of God is at hand," a central tenet of the Gospel message. This signifies that God's sovereign reign has decisively entered human history through Jesus Christ, making His redemptive power and presence intimately accessible. The word thus conveys a profound sense of divine initiative in bridging the gap between God and humanity, calling for a response of repentance and expectant readiness in light of God's nearness and the imminent fulfillment of His purposes.
TRV