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ἐγγίζω

engízō

G1448 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ἐγγ- to approach, to come near, to draw near

Definition

To come near, move toward, or approach a person, place, or event in spatial, temporal, or metaphorical senses. The core meaning is physical or figurative proximity—i.e., making oneself or something else near. The verb can indicate literal approach (moving closer), metaphorical nearness (as in time drawing close), or impending events.

Semantic Range

to come physically near, to approach a place or person, to draw closer in relationship, to be at hand (of time or events), to approach or draw near (in ritual or religious contexts), of time or fulfillment becoming imminent

Root / Etymology

From the adverb ἐγγύς ('near, close') with the verbal ending -ίζω, forming a denominative verb. Related to the preposition ἐν ('in') and the root γῐ- ('to go, move'). The formation suggests 'to bring/make near' or 'to become near, draw near.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐγγίζω is relatively rare, more commonly found from the Hellenistic period onwards, particularly in the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament, where it acquires both literal and figurative senses. It is used of persons physically approaching someone or something (Mark 11:1, Luke 15:1), as well as of time or events nearing or drawing to a close (Matthew 4:17; Romans 13:12). In Jewish-Greek literature and the LXX, it is also used for 'approaching' God, particularly in the context of ritual or worship (Exodus 3:5, Leviticus 10:3), conveying a sense of reverence or prescribed approach. In the New Testament, it frequently references the approach of the 'kingdom of the heavens' or eschatological events, indicating that something of theological or cosmic import is imminent (Mark 1:15, James 5:8). English translations often render ἐγγίζω as 'draw near,' 'approach,' or 'be at hand,' but these do not always capture the blend of spatial, temporal, and metaphorical meaning that the term can carry. The verb is active, usually intransitive, but sometimes with an object (person or place approached). Contrasts with ἀπομακρύνομαι ('depart, go away from'), highlighting directionality towards proximity.

Translation Consistency

primary "approach" 31 occurrences

Approach cleanly covers the primary senses in the SILEX definition—physical moving nearer, temporal nearness (an event drawing near), and metaphorical/ritual coming near—while remaining a single, natural English verb. Though many English translations use the two-word idiom “draw near,” the single-word 'approach' preserves that semantic range without ambiguity (unlike 'draw') and sounds natural across contexts and inflections.

Alternatives (11 occurrences):
"drawing near" (5x) "draw near" (3x) "having drawn near" (2x) "those drawing near" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐγγύς; to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach:--approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.

Root Family

ἐγγίζω (engizō) — to approach, to come near, to draw near

Word Forms

18 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1448-02 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG has come near has drawn near has approached 14
G1448-08 ἤγγισεν eggisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he drew near drew near approached 7
G1448-11 ἤγγιζεν eggizen V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG drew near was drawing near was drawing near 2
G1448-04 ἤγγισαν eggisan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they drew near they approached they approached 2
G1448-06 ἐγγίσας eggisas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG approached having drawn near having drawn near 2
G1448-09 ἐγγίζει eggizei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG comes near is drawing near is approaching 2
G1448-10 ἐγγίζειν eggizein V PRS ACT INF he to be drawing near to be approaching 2
G1448-01 ἐγγιεῖ eggiei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG He will draw near he will draw near he will draw near 1
G1448-07 ἐγγίσατε eggisate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL Draw near Draw near! Draw near 1
G1448-15 ἐγγιζόντων eggizonton V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL approaching of those drawing near of those drawing near 1

Occurrences in Scripture

42 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1448-02 Matthew 3:2 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG has come near has drawn near has approached
G1448-02 Matthew 4:17 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG has come near has drawn near has approached
G1448-02 Matthew 10:7 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG has come near has drawn near has approached
G1448-04 Matthew 21:1 ἤγγισαν eggisan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they drew near they approached they approached
G1448-08 Matthew 21:34 ἤγγισεν eggisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG drew near drew near approached
G1448-02 Matthew 26:45 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG has drawn near has drawn near has approached
G1448-02 Matthew 26:46 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG is at hand has drawn near has approached
G1448-02 Mark 1:15 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG is at hand has drawn near has approached
G1448-18 Mark 11:1 ἐγγίζουσιν eggizousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL they approach they are drawing near they are drawing near
G1448-02 Mark 14:42 ἤγγικεν eggiken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG is at hand has drawn near has approached
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