### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pórrhōthen**, represented by `{{G4207}}`, is an adverb meaning **from far** or **at a distance**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word signifies being **afar off**, conveying a sense of spatial or figurative remoteness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4207}}` describes two distinct types of distance. It is used literally in Luke’s gospel, where **ten** `{{G1176}}` **men** `{{G435}}` who were **lepers** `{{G3015}}` **stood** `{{G2476}}` **afar off** when they **met** `{{G528}}` Jesus [[Luke 17:12]]. In contrast, the book of Hebrews uses the term figuratively to characterize faith. It describes the patriarchs who **died** `{{G599}}` in **faith** `{{G4102}}`, having **seen** `{{G1492}}` God’s **promises** `{{G1860}}` **afar off** but not having **received** `{{G2983}}` them in their lifetime [[Hebrews 11:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4207}}` is found:
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see): This verb, meaning **to see** or **perceive**, is crucial in [[Hebrews 11:13]]. The faithful **saw** the promises **afar off**, linking physical sight to the spiritual perception of faith.
* `{{G3015}}` **leprós** (leper): This word provides the reason for the distance in [[Luke 17:12]]. Because the men were **lepers**, they were required to stand **afar off** `{{G4207}}`, highlighting their social and physical separation.
* `{{G1860}}` **epangelía** (promise): This noun defines what was seen from a distance. The patriarchs did not receive the **promises**, but they embraced them from **afar off** `{{G4207}}`, underscoring a faith fixed on a divine assurance of good [[Hebrews 11:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4207}}` is tied to the concept of distance and perspective.
* **Physical and Social Separation:** The account of the **ten** `{{G1176}}` **lepers** `{{G3015}}` who **stood** `{{G2476}}` **afar off** `{{G4207}}` illustrates the state of being an outcast due to physical ailment and ceremonial law [[Luke 17:12]].
* **The Vision of Faith:** Hebrews uses the term to define the nature of faith. The faithful are those who have **seen** `{{G1492}}` God's **promises** `{{G1860}}` **afar off** `{{G4207}}` while confessing they **were** `{{G1526}}` **strangers** `{{G3581}}` and **pilgrims** `{{G3927}}` on the **earth** `{{G1093}}`. This demonstrates a life oriented toward a heavenly reality not yet possessed.
* **Anticipation and Hope:** In both uses, standing **afar off** `{{G4207}}` implies a state of waiting. The lepers anticipate healing, while the patriarchs anticipate the fulfillment of promises, connecting the word to a posture of hope and reliance on God.
### Summary
In summary, **pórrhōthen** `{{G4207}}` is a specific adverb that communicates more than just distance. It powerfully illustrates both the literal separation caused by a physical condition [[Luke 17:12]] and the profound, figurative vision of faith that **sees** `{{G1492}}` and embraces God’s **promises** `{{G1860}}` from a distance [[Hebrews 11:13]]. The word captures a fundamental aspect of the human condition in relation to God: a state of being **afar off** that is bridged by divine action and forward-looking faith.
TRV