adverb from πρό; forwards, i.e. at a distance:--far, a great way off. See also πόῤῥωθεν.
Transliteration:pórrhō
Pronunciation:por'-rho
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb pórrhō (G4206) is derived from the preposition pró (G4253), meaning "before" or "forward." Its fundamental meaning denotes spatial distance, signifying "far," "at a distance," or "a great way off." It inherently implies a significant separation or remoteness in space, indicating that something is not proximate or near. The definition explicitly links it to pórrhōthen (G4207), which carries a similar sense of "from afar" or "from a distance," reinforcing the core semantic range of spatial remoteness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pórrhō appears in the New Testament with both literal and metaphorical applications, enriching its significance:
* In [[Matthew 15:8]] and its parallel in [[Mark 7:6]], pórrhō is used metaphorically in a quotation from Isaiah 29:13 (LXX): "This people honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is pórrhō from me." Here, the word describes a spiritual distance, highlighting the hypocrisy of outward religious observance that lacks genuine inner devotion and intimate communion with God. The heart, as the seat of one's being and true worship, is depicted as alienated from divine proximity.
* [[Luke 15:20]] provides a poignant literal use within the parable of the prodigal son: "But when he was yet a great way off (pórrhō), his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." This verse powerfully illustrates the father's eager watchfulness and immediate, compassionate response to his son's return, even when the son was still at a considerable physical distance. The father's action of bridging this pórrhō distance becomes a vivid picture of divine grace and welcome.
* In [[Acts 22:21]], pórrhō is used literally in the context of Paul's commission: "Depart: for I will send thee pórrhō unto the Gentiles." This signifies a geographical "far" distance, emphasizing the expansive nature of the gospel mission beyond the confines of Israel to all nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonyms:** The conceptual opposite of pórrhō would be words signifying proximity or nearness, such as engys (G1451), meaning "near" or "at hand," and plēsion (G4139), meaning "near" or "neighbor."
* **Synonyms/Cognates:** pórrhōthen (G4207), meaning "from afar" or "from a distance," is a direct cognate. Another related term is makran (G3112), also signifying "far off" or "at a distance," often used with apo ("from").
* **Root:** The root pró (G4253), meaning "before," "in front of," or "forward," indicates the directional aspect inherent in pórrhō, suggesting movement or positioning away from a point.
* **Concepts:** pórrhō is intrinsically linked to concepts of distance, separation, remoteness, alienation, and accessibility (or lack thereof).
### Theological Significance
The theological import of pórrhō is multifaceted:
* **Spiritual Alienation:** Its metaphorical use in [[Matthew 15:8]] and [[Mark 7:6]] is profoundly significant. It exposes the spiritual danger of a heart that is pórrhō from God, even while maintaining outward religious performance. This highlights the biblical emphasis on internal reality over external ritual, underscoring that true worship necessitates a heart intimately connected to and transformed by God, not merely a superficial adherence to religious forms. A heart pórrhō signifies spiritual estrangement and a lack of authentic relationship.
* **Divine Initiative and Grace:** The usage in [[Luke 15:20]] offers a powerful illustration of divine grace. Even when the prodigal son was pórrhō in his sin and rebellion, the father's active and immediate response to bridge that distance speaks volumes about God's proactive love, His boundless compassion, and His eagerness to welcome back those who were estranged. It portrays God as one who sees, runs, and embraces, demonstrating that the distance created by human sin does not diminish His desire for reconciliation.
* **Universal Scope of the Gospel:** In [[Acts 22:21]], pórrhō underscores the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan. Paul's commission to go "far" to the Gentiles signifies that the message of salvation is not confined to a single people or place but extends universally, breaking down barriers and reaching those who were once considered "far off" (cf. [[Ephesians 2:13]], where those who were makran are brought near by Christ's blood).
### Summary
Pórrhō (G4206) is a Greek adverb denoting spatial distance, meaning "far" or "a great way off." While literally describing physical separation, its most profound New Testament applications extend to spiritual and missional contexts. It vividly portrays the spiritual alienation of a heart pórrhō from God, despite outward religious acts ([[Matthew 15:8]], [[Mark 7:6]]). Conversely, in the parable of the prodigal son, it highlights the father's extraordinary grace in eagerly welcoming his son even when he was still pórrhō ([[Luke 15:20]]). Furthermore, pórrhō signifies the extensive geographical reach of the gospel, as Paul was commissioned to carry the message "far" to the Gentiles ([[Acts 22:21]]). Thus, pórrhō encapsulates both the tragic reality of distance from God and the glorious truth of His initiative to bridge that distance through grace and the expansive mission of His kingdom.
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