from πόῤῥω with adverbial enclitic of source; from far, or (by implication) at a distance, i.e. distantly:--afar off.
Transliteration:pórrhōthen
Pronunciation:por'-rho-then
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb πόῤῥωθεν (pórrhōthen, `{{G4207}}`) is derived from the adverb πόῤῥω (pórrhō, `{{G4206}}`), meaning "far" or "a long way off," augmented by the enclitic suffix -θεν (-then), which denotes source or origin ("from"). Thus, πόῤῥωθεν inherently carries the meaning "from afar," "from a distance," or "far off." Its semantic range primarily encompasses physical separation, indicating that something originates from or is observed from a significant remove. This distance can be purely spatial, but in various contexts, it can also subtly imply emotional, spiritual, or temporal separation. Unlike πόῤῥω which simply denotes "far," πόῤῥωθεν specifically emphasizes the *point of origin* or *perspective* as being distant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πόῤῥωθεν appears in the New Testament, consistently conveying the sense of distance. Its usage reveals various nuances:
1. **Physical Observation/Following from a Distance:**
* In the passion narratives, Peter is described as following Jesus "afar off" after His arrest: "And Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest's palace..." [[Matthew 26:58]], similarly in [[Mark 14:54]] and [[Luke 22:54]]. This physical distance might suggest a mix of lingering loyalty, fear, and a desire to observe without being implicated.
* The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee are also depicted standing "afar off" at the crucifixion, observing the unfolding tragedy: "And all His acquaintance, and the women that followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things." [[Luke 23:49]]. This portrays a scene of helplessness and sorrowful observance from a safe, yet poignant, distance.
2. **Humility and Reverence:**
* The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates a profound spiritual posture: "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." [[Luke 18:13]]. Here, standing "afar off" signifies humility, unworthiness, and deep reverence in the presence of God's holiness. The physical distance mirrors his perceived spiritual unworthiness.
3. **Prophetic Vision and Faith:**
* In the "Hall of Faith," the author of Hebrews commends the patriarchs: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." [[Hebrews 11:13]]. This is a powerful metaphorical use, where "afar off" refers to the temporal distance of future promises. Their faith enabled them to perceive and embrace God's future blessings as if they were already present, despite being far off in time.
4. **Lament and Judgment:**
* In the book of Revelation, πόῤῥωθεν is used repeatedly to describe those who lament the fall of Babylon: "standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon..." [[Revelation 18:10]], [[Revelation 18:15]], [[Revelation 18:17]]. The merchants and mariners stand at a distance, not out of reverence or fear of implication, but out of fear of suffering the same judgment and a lament over their lost economic prosperity. Their separation underscores the finality and totality of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its root, πόῤῥω (pórrhō, `{{G4206}}`), which simply means "far" or "a long way off." The addition of the -θεν suffix in πόῤῥωθεν specifically adds the nuance of "from" or "from the direction of," emphasizing the source of the distance. Other related concepts include:
* **Proximity/Distance:** The antonymic concept of being near (e.g., ἐγγύς, engys, `{{G1451}}`) highlights the separation implied by πόῤῥωθεν.
* **Observation:** The act of seeing or beholding (e.g., βλέπω, blepō, `{{G991}}`; θεάομαι, theaomai, `{{G2300}}`) is often paired with πόῤῥωθεν, emphasizing the perspective of one who is distant.
* **Separation:** The word speaks to a state of being apart, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
* **Foresight/Hope:** In the context of [[Hebrews 11:13]], it links to the concept of faith's ability to transcend temporal limitations and grasp future realities.
* **Humility and Self-Abasement:** As seen in [[Luke 18:13]], it is closely tied to a posture of unworthiness before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πόῤῥωθεν is rich and multi-faceted. It often speaks to the human condition in relation to divine realities or significant events.
1. **Human Frailty and Fear:** Peter's following "afar off" subtly illustrates the tension between loyalty and fear in the face of danger. It reveals the reality of human weakness even in moments of profound spiritual crisis. Similarly, the women at the cross, standing at a distance, embody sorrowful helplessness.
2. **Humility and Access to God:** The tax collector's posture in [[Luke 18:13]] is profoundly theological. His standing "afar off" is not a sign of rejection by God, but rather an act of self-abasement that paradoxically opens the way to divine mercy and justification. It underscores that true approach to God begins with a humble recognition of one's unworthiness.
3. **The Nature of Faith and Hope:** The use in [[Hebrews 11:13]] is perhaps its most profound theological application. To "see afar off" the promises of God speaks to the essence of biblical faith – believing in and embracing what is not yet seen or fully realized. It is faith that bridges the temporal gap between divine promise and future fulfillment, providing hope and perseverance for believers living in the "already but not yet." This demonstrates that God's plan unfolds over time, and faith is the means by which humanity apprehends its distant, yet certain, reality.
4. **Divine Judgment and Separation:** In Revelation, the lament of those standing "afar off" from the fallen Babylon highlights the finality and terrifying nature of God's judgment. This distance signifies a separation from the condemned, underscoring the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, and the inability of worldly powers to avert divine wrath.
### Summary
πόῤῥωθεν (pórrhōthen, `{{G4207}}`) is a Greek adverb meaning "from afar" or "at a distance," emphasizing the origin or perspective of remoteness. Its biblical occurrences reveal a spectrum of meanings: from literal physical separation in observation or following, to metaphorical distances of humility before God, the foresight of faith in viewing future promises, and the fearful lamentation over divine judgment. The word consistently underscores a state of being apart, yet this distance can be imbued with diverse spiritual and emotional significance. Whether conveying human fear, profound humility, the enduring nature of faith, or the stark reality of divine judgment, πόῤῥωθεν serves as a potent descriptor of spatial, temporal, and spiritual separation, illuminating key aspects of human interaction with the divine and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
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