### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prosengízō**, represented by `{{G4331}}`, means **to approach near** or to **come nigh**. It is derived from the words πρός and ἐγγίζω. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4331}}` is in the narrative of the paralytic man brought to Jesus. In this account, the men carrying him could not **come nigh** to Jesus because of the large crowd that had gathered. The verse states, "And when they could not **come nigh** unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was" [[Mark 2:4]]. The word here literally describes the physical impossibility of approaching Jesus through conventional means due to an overwhelming obstacle.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this passage help define the context of being unable to approach:
* `{{G1410}}` **dýnamai** (to be able or possible): This word is used with a negative to show that the men "could not" get near Jesus, highlighting their human limitation in the face of the obstacle [[Mark 2:4]].
* `{{G3793}}` **óchlos** (a throng): This identifies the specific barrier preventing the approach. The "press" of the crowd was so great that it made getting close to Jesus impossible by normal means [[Mark 2:4]].
* `{{G648}}` **apostegázō** (to unroof): This word describes the radical action taken as a direct result of being unable to **come nigh**. It demonstrates a creative and determined faith that would not be deterred by a blocked path [[Mark 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4331}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context in [[Mark 2:4]].
* **Barriers to Christ:** The inability to **come nigh** illustrates that there can be significant obstacles—even a **multitude** `{{G3793}}` of people—that stand between a person in need and Jesus.
* **Faith Overcoming Inability:** The moment the men "could not" `{{G1410}}` approach becomes a turning point. Their response to this inability was not to give up, but to find an unconventional way, demonstrating a faith that transcends physical limitations.
* **The Goal of Proximity:** The story emphasizes that the ultimate goal was nearness to Jesus. The failure of the initial attempt to **come nigh** `{{G4331}}` did not deter the men, but rather solidified their resolve, showing that access to Jesus is a goal worth pursuing with radical determination.
### Summary
In summary, though `{{G4331}}` is used only once, its context is unforgettable. It is the pivotal word in a story about the failure of a conventional approach and the triumph of a determined faith. It marks the moment where human inability meets creative resolve, showing that when the door is blocked, faith finds a way through the roof to draw near to Jesus.
TRV