### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word engýteron (`{{G1452}}`) is the neuter comparative form of engýs (`{{G1451}}`), meaning "near" or "at hand." As a comparative, engýteron therefore signifies "nearer" or "closer." It inherently denotes a greater degree of proximity, whether spatial or temporal. While its root engýs can indicate physical closeness (e.g., [[John 6:19]], [[John 11:54]]), engýteron in its sole New Testament occurrence is used exclusively in a temporal sense, emphasizing an accelerated approach towards a future event. It conveys a sense of increasing imminence, suggesting that something is not merely at hand, but *more* at hand than previously.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word engýteron (`{{G1452}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's epistle to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 13:11]]**: "And do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed."
In this pivotal verse, Paul issues an urgent call to spiritual wakefulness, grounding his exhortation in an eschatological reality. The "salvation" (`{{G4991}}`, *sōtēria*) referred to here is not the initial act of conversion, which has already occurred for the believers, but rather its consummation—the full and final deliverance, likely referring to the resurrection, glorification, and the Lord's return (*parousia*). The comparative "nearer" (`{{G1452}}`, *engýteron*) highlights a progressive movement towards this ultimate salvation. It implies that with each passing moment, the Christian community draws closer to the final realization of their hope. The context of [[Romans 13:11-14]] is a strong ethical appeal, urging believers to cast off the "deeds of darkness" and put on the "armor of light," living in a manner consistent with their identity in Christ, precisely because the time of ultimate deliverance is drawing ever closer. The temporal urgency conveyed by engýteron serves as a powerful motivator for righteous living.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is engýs (`{{G1451}}`), the positive form from which engýteron is derived. Engýs is used frequently in the New Testament to denote proximity, both spatial (e.g., the kingdom of God is "at hand" in [[Matthew 3:2]], [[Mark 1:15]]) and temporal (e.g., the day of the Lord is "at hand" in [[Philippians 4:5]]). The use of engýteron (`{{G1452}}`) intensifies this temporal nearness.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* **sōtēria (`{{G4991}}`):** Salvation, which is the object drawing nearer. This encompasses the full scope of God's saving work, from justification to glorification.
* **parousia (`{{G3952}}`):** The "coming" or "presence" of Christ, often referring to His second advent. The nearness of salvation is intrinsically linked to the imminence of the Lord's return.
* **hēmera (`{{G2250}}`):** Day, particularly "the day" of the Lord or "the day" of salvation, which is approaching (e.g., [[Romans 13:12]]).
* **kairos (`{{G2540}}`):** Appointed time, crucial moment. Paul's exhortation in [[Romans 13:11]] begins with "knowing the time" (*kairos*), emphasizing the significance of the present moment in light of the approaching future.
These terms collectively underscore the eschatological horizon of Christian existence, where the "already" of salvation in Christ intersects with the "not yet" of its full consummation.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of engýteron (`{{G1452}}`) in [[Romans 13:11]] carries profound theological weight. It encapsulates a fundamental aspect of Christian eschatology: the tension between the inaugurated and the consummated kingdom. Believers have already received salvation in Christ (justification), but they await its full and final manifestation (glorification). The declaration that salvation is "nearer" serves as a continuous reminder of the dynamic, forward-moving nature of God's redemptive plan.
This nearness of salvation is not merely an abstract theological concept; it is a powerful impetus for ethical transformation. Paul links the temporal proximity directly to the call for believers to "lay aside the deeds of darkness" and "put on the armor of light" ([[Romans 13:12]]). The approaching end is not a cause for idleness or despair, but for heightened vigilance, sober living, and active pursuit of righteousness. It instills a sense of urgency and responsibility, encouraging believers to live consistently with their identity as children of light. The "nearer" salvation implies a hope that draws the believer forward, motivating perseverance and faithfulness in the present age. It grounds Christian hope in a concrete, approaching reality, shaping both individual conduct and corporate anticipation.
### Summary
Engýteron (`{{G1452}}`) means "nearer" or "closer," serving as the comparative form of engýs (`{{G1451}}`). Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its placement in [[Romans 13:11]] is profoundly significant. Here, it conveys a vital temporal urgency, emphasizing that the full consummation of Christian salvation is progressively drawing closer than when believers first embraced the faith. This increasing proximity of ultimate deliverance serves as a compelling divine motivation for spiritual awakening and righteous living, urging believers to cast off works of darkness and walk in the light, ever watchful for the Lord's imminent return. The word thus encapsulates a core eschatological dynamic, shaping both the hope and the ethical imperative of the Christian life.
TRV