from a primary verb (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of ἀγκάλη); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time):--from , at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb and preposition G1451 (ἐγγύς, engýs) derives from a primary verb root suggesting "to squeeze or throttle," akin to ἀγκάλη (ankalē), meaning "arm" or "embrace." This etymological root subtly points to an inherent sense of close proximity, a pressing or immediate nearness. Its primary meaning is "near," and its semantic range extends to both literal and figurative applications:
1. **Spatial Nearness:** Denoting physical proximity in terms of location or distance. Something or someone is "at hand," "close by," or "nigh."
2. **Temporal Nearness:** Indicating imminence or readiness in terms of time. An event is "at hand," "soon to occur," or "ready." This is a highly significant usage in the New Testament, particularly concerning eschatological events.
3. **Relational/Spiritual Nearness:** Figuratively, it can describe a state of accessibility or intimate relationship, especially in a theological context concerning humanity's relationship with God.
The various English translations provided in the base definition—"from," "at hand," "near," "nigh (at hand, unto)," "ready"—highlight these different facets of its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1451 (ἐγγύς) appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its broad applicability:
* **Spatial Proximity:**
* It often describes the physical location of individuals or objects. For instance, in [[John 6:19]], the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea and the boat "near" the land. Similarly, [[John 19:20]] notes that the place where Jesus was crucified was "near" the city. [[Acts 9:38]] mentions Lydda being "near" Joppa, indicating geographical closeness.
* This usage is straightforward, emphasizing concrete physical adjacency.
* **Temporal Imminence:**
* This is arguably the most theologically significant use of engýs. It frequently signals the "at hand" nature of future events, especially those related to God's redemptive plan.
* In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus repeatedly declares that "the kingdom of God is at hand" (e.g., [[Mark 1:15]], [[Luke 10:9]], [[Luke 21:30-31]]). This signifies the inauguration of God's reign through Christ's ministry, demanding an immediate response of repentance and faith.
* The imminence of the "end" or specific eschatological events is also conveyed. [[Matthew 24:32]] uses engýs to describe summer being "near" when the fig tree's branches become tender, a parable for the nearness of the Son of Man's coming. [[Mark 13:29]] similarly states that when certain signs occur, "He is near, at the very gates."
* Paul uses it in [[Romans 13:11]] to emphasize that "salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed," urging believers to live righteously in light of the approaching consummation.
* The urgency of the Lord's return is powerfully conveyed in [[Philippians 4:5]] ("The Lord is at hand") and [[James 5:8]] ("the coming of the Lord is at hand").
* **Relational/Spiritual Proximity:**
* Perhaps its most profound theological application is found in [[Ephesians 2:13]], where Paul declares that Gentiles, who were once "far off," have been "made near by the blood of Christ." Here, engýs transcends physical or temporal distance to describe a spiritual state of reconciliation and access to God, achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice. This highlights a shift from alienation to intimacy with God.
* In [[Hebrews 6:8]], engýs is used to describe land that is "near" cursing, indicating a proximity to judgment due to unresponsiveness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of G1451 (ἐγγύς) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Verbal Form:** Its direct verbal cognate is G1448 (ἐγγίζω, engízō), meaning "to draw near" or "to approach." This verb often functions as the dynamic counterpart to the static engýs, describing the act of moving into proximity (e.g., [[Matthew 21:1]] - "when they drew near to Jerusalem").
* **Antonyms:** The most common antonyms are G3112 (μακράν, makran) and G5089 (τηλε, tēle), both meaning "far off" or "far away" (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:13]] contrasts "far off" with "made near").
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* G3947 (πάρειμι, pareimi): "to be present," "to be at hand."
* G2064 (ἔρχομαι, erchomai): "to come," often used for the arrival of persons or events.
* G4139 (πλησίον, plēsion): "near," "neighbor," often used for proximity in a relational sense (e.g., "love your neighbor").
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Imminence:** The concept that an event is about to happen, particularly the return of Christ and the consummation of His Kingdom.
* **Kingdom of God:** The central theme of Jesus' preaching, often declared as being "at hand," signifying God's active reign breaking into human history.
* **Parousia:** The Greek term for the "coming" or "presence" of Christ, often linked with engýs to emphasize its impending nature.
* **Accessibility of God:** The theological truth that, through Christ, humanity can draw near to God, overcoming the barrier of sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1451 (ἐγγύς) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **The Kingdom of God Inaugurated:** Jesus' proclamation that "the kingdom of God is at hand" (e.g., [[Mark 1:15]]) is a cornerstone of New Testament theology. It signifies that God's sovereign rule, long prophesied, was no longer a distant hope but had decisively broken into the present through Jesus' person and ministry. This called for an immediate and radical response of repentance and faith, as the opportunity for entry into God's reign was uniquely present.
2. **Christ's Atonement and Reconciliation:** Engýs powerfully articulates the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. In [[Ephesians 2:13]], the declaration that those "far off" have been "made near by the blood of Christ" is a theological cornerstone. It underscores that the chasm of sin and alienation between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile, was bridged by the cross, granting access and intimacy with God. This spiritual nearness is a gift of grace, not a result of human merit.
3. **Eschatological Urgency and Hope:** The repeated assertion that the Lord's coming or the end of the age is "at hand" (e.g., [[Philippians 4:5]], [[James 5:8]]) imbues believers with both urgency and hope. It is a call to live in vigilant expectation, to be ready, and to persevere in faith and righteousness, knowing that the consummation of God's redemptive plan is drawing ever closer. This imminence shapes Christian ethics and mission, fostering a pilgrim mentality.
4. **Divine Accessibility:** Beyond specific events, engýs points to the fundamental truth of God's accessibility. Through the Incarnation, God drew near to humanity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, God indwells believers, making His presence intimately near. This contrasts sharply with pagan deities or a distant, unapproachable God, revealing the relational heart of the Judeo-Christian God.
### Summary
The Greek word G1451 (ἐγγύς, engýs) fundamentally conveys the concept of "nearness," encompassing both spatial proximity and temporal imminence. While frequently describing physical closeness in the New Testament, its theological weight is most pronounced in its application to time and relationship. It powerfully communicates the "at hand" nature of the Kingdom of God, demanding an immediate response to Jesus' redemptive work. Furthermore, engýs underscores the imminent return of Christ, fostering a sense of urgency, vigilance, and hope among believers. Crucially, it speaks to the profound spiritual reality that those once alienated from God have been "made near" through the atoning blood of Christ, highlighting God's gracious accessibility and the reconciliation offered through Him. Thus, engýs is not merely a descriptor of distance or time, but a vibrant theological term proclaiming God's active presence, His unfolding redemptive plan, and the call to live in watchful anticipation of His ultimate consummation of all things.
TRV