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ἐγγύς

engýs

G1451 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Near, close, or in proximity (in space or time). The basic sense is of spatial or temporal nearness, and the word is used both literally (describing physical closeness or geographic proximity) and figuratively (implying impending events or imminent circumstances). In broader contexts, it can signal relational nearness or the closeness of concepts or qualities.

Semantic Range

near (in space), near (in time), at hand, approaching, imminent, closely connected, in proximity

Root / Etymology

From the root ἐγγ- possibly related to the verb ἔγγυς (‘to be near’); the precise etymology is debated. Some relate it to ἀγκάλη (the bent arm) through the concept of encircling or drawing close. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is generally recognized as standard in classical and Koine Greek for expressing nearness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐγγύς primarily referred to spatial proximity (e.g., someone or something being physically nearby) but was capable of temporal extension (soon or impending) even before the Koine period. In the Septuagint (LXX), ἐγγύς frequently translates Hebrew קָרוֹב (qarov), conveying both geographical and metaphorical proximity, including the nearness of God, the proximity of salvation, or the approach of a particular event or person. In the New Testament, ἐγγύς is found in expressions such as 'the kingdom of God is near,' meaning imminent rather than spatially close, as well as in more literal spatial uses. Standard English translations (e.g., 'near', 'at hand') tend to capture the range but can obscure emotional or relational nuances present in Greek usage. The word is distinct from other Greek terms for proximity, such as πλησίον (often 'neighbor' or 'the one nearby'), which more typically refers to one's fellow or another person in close association rather than strict spatial or temporal nearness.

Translation Consistency

primary "near" 30 occurrences

'Near' is the most natural, flexible English adverb covering spatial, temporal, and figurative senses (physical proximity, imminence, close connection). It matches the majority of existing renderings, reads naturally in contexts like 'is near' or 'draw near,' and is preferred over alternatives like 'close' or 'nearby' for broad applicability and simplicity.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a primary verb (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of ἀγκάλη); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time):--from , at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.

Root Family

ἐγγύς (engys) — near, close, in proximity, at hand, approaching

Root ἐγγ- to be near, to approach, to be at hand

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1451-01 ἐγγὺς eggus ADV near near near 30

Occurrences in Scripture

30 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1451-01 Matthew 24:32 ἐγγὺς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 Matthew 24:33 ἐγγύς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 Matthew 26:18 ἐγγύς eggus ADV is at hand near near
G1451-01 Mark 13:28 ἐγγὺς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 Mark 13:29 ἐγγύς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 Luke 19:11 ἐγγὺς eggus PREP near near near
G1451-01 Luke 21:30 ἐγγὺς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 Luke 21:31 ἐγγύς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 John 2:13 ἐγγὺς eggus ADV near near near
G1451-01 John 3:23 ἐγγὺς eggus PREP GEN near near near
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