πόῤῥω
pórrhō
G4206 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
At a distance (in space or figuratively in condition); the primary sense is being far away, either physically separated by space or, in some contexts, metaphorically distant (e.g., in state, relation, or time).
Semantic Range
far (in space), at a distance, remote, distant (in condition), removed (figurative), at a far point (in time or state)
Root / Etymology
Related to the root πρό, meaning 'before' or 'forward.' The adverb πόῤῥω is formed with intensifying reduplication and likely arose as a comparative or emphatic expression of separation or remoteness; ultimately of Indo-European origin, but further etymology is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πόῤῥω appears in both literary and Koine Greek as a standard adverb meaning 'far' or 'at a distance.' In the Septuagint and New Testament, it typically describes spatial separation (e.g., someone or something being 'far off'), but can also refer to remoteness in time or state. In some classical sources (Homer, Herodotus), it can be used for spatial or metaphorical distance. English translations often render πόῤῥω as 'far' or 'a great way off,' but these may miss the range of nuances—such as mental, relation, or temporal distance—possible in Greek. Related forms include the more developed πόῤῥωθεν ('from far away,' 'from a distance'), which makes the directional sense explicit. There are no significant differences observed between LXX and NT usage, though the physical meaning dominates. Compared to more technical terms for distance (e.g., μακράν), πόῤῥω is less specific to measurement and more to the state of being distant. The term is not frequently used to designate estrangement but can appear in such contexts by extension.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from πρό; forwards, i.e. at a distance:--far, a great way off. See also πόῤῥωθεν.
Root Family
πόρρω (porrhō) — far, distant, remote, removed, at a distance
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4206-01 |
πόρρω | porro | ADV |
far | at a distance | far | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4206-01 |
Matthew 15:8 | πόρρω | porro | ADV |
far | at a distance | far |
G4206-01 |
Mark 7:6 | πόρρω | porro | ADV |
far | at a distance | far |
G4206-01 |
Luke 14:32 | πόρρω | porro | ADV |
far away | at a distance | at a distance |