← G3111 G3113 →

μακράν

makrán

G3112 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

At a distance, far away—primarily describing spatial separation but also used metaphorically for emotional or relational distance. The term primarily functions as an adverb indicating that something or someone is at a considerable distance from a reference point, and, by extension, can mark figurative separation or alienation in narratives and discourses.

Semantic Range

at a distance, far away, a good way off, separated (spatially or figuratively)

Root / Etymology

Feminine accusative singular of μακρός ('long, far, distant'), with the accusative typically functioning adverbially in Greek to indicate manner or extent. The origin of μακρός is uncertain but attested in early Greek (Homeric) as a descriptor of physical extension or remoteness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μακράν is commonly used adverbially to designate physical distance. In the Koine period, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the usage remains fundamentally spatial (e.g., someone standing or residing 'far off'), but can also acquire metaphorical nuances (such as emotional or relational distance, e.g., 'standing at a distance'—as a marker of humility, exclusion, or estrangement). The accusative form comes from a feminine noun implied in context, most often ὁδός ('road, way'), but the word is used widely as an independent adverb. English translations such as 'far off,' 'at a distance,' or 'a good way off' generally correspond to its basic meaning, but may not always capture the nuance in contexts where figurative separation or social distance is in view. The word is distinct from ἐγγύς ('near, close'), which marks proximity rather than separation. μακράν persists as a common adverb throughout Greek literature, with little substantive semantic shift between the periods, though its metaphorical use becomes more prominent in certain Hellenistic and Roman sources.

Translation Consistency

primary "far" 10 occurrences

'Far' is the most natural, concise adverb that captures the primary spatial sense (‘at a distance’) and also works idiomatically for figurative distance. It matches the P2 renderings (10x 'far') and will produce consistent, natural English across all forms; alternatives like 'far away' or 'distant' are either two words or less idiomatic as an adverb.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine accusative case singular of μακρός (ὁδός being implied); at a distance (literally or figuratively):--(a-)far (off), good (great) way off.

Root Family

μακρός (makros) — long, far, distant

Root μακρ- long, far, distant
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G31115 far
G3117 μακρός far away

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3112-01 μακρὰν makran ADV far far away far away 10

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3112-01 Matthew 8:30 μακρὰν makran ADV a good way off far away far away
G3112-01 Mark 12:34 μακρὰν makran ADV far far away far away
G3112-01 Luke 7:6 μακρὰν makran ADV far far away far away
G3112-01 Luke 15:20 μακρὰν makran ADV far far away far away
G3112-01 John 21:8 μακρὰν makran ADV far far away far away
G3112-01 Acts 2:39 μακρὰν makran ADV far off far away far away
G3112-01 Acts 17:27 μακρὰν makran ADV far far away far away
G3112-01 Acts 22:21 μακρὰν makran ADV far away far away far away
G3112-01 Ephesians 2:13 μακρὰν makran ADV far off far away far away
G3112-01 Ephesians 2:17 μακρὰν makran ADV far off far away far away
← G3111 Greek Lexicon G3113 →