Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the concept of distance is often used both literally and metaphorically to convey physical separation, spiritual alienation, and the journey of faith. The term can refer to geographical measurements, relational gaps, or the spiritual chasm between humanity and God due to sin.Literal Distance 1. Geographical Measurements: The Bible frequently mentions specific distances to describe the locations and travels of biblical figures. For example, in the Old Testament, the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land involved traversing significant distances. Numbers 33:8 describes part of their journey: "They set out from Pi Hahiroth and crossed the sea into the wilderness, and after traveling for three days in the Desert of Etham, they camped at Marah." 2. Units of Measurement: The Bible uses various units to measure distance, such as cubits, stadia, and miles. In the New Testament, John 6:19 states, "When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea; and they were terrified." Metaphorical Distance 1. Spiritual Separation: Distance is often used to describe the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This spiritual distance emphasizes the need for reconciliation through repentance and faith. 2. Relational Distance: The Bible also uses distance to describe relational estrangement. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 illustrates this concept. The son travels to a "distant country" (Luke 15:13) to live a life of sin, symbolizing his separation from his father. His eventual return signifies reconciliation and restoration. 3. Faith Journey: Distance can symbolize the journey of faith, where believers are called to walk with God despite the challenges and trials they face. Hebrews 11:13 speaks of the patriarchs who "admitted that they were strangers and exiles on the earth," highlighting their spiritual journey toward a heavenly homeland. Divine Intervention and Overcoming Distance 1. God's Omnipresence: Despite the concept of distance, the Bible affirms God's omnipresence and His ability to bridge any gap. Psalm 139:7-10 declares, "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there." 2. Christ's Redemptive Work: The New Testament reveals that through Jesus Christ, the distance caused by sin is overcome. Ephesians 2:13 states, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." This highlights the reconciliation and closeness believers can experience with God through faith in Jesus. In summary, the concept of distance in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, illustrating physical journeys, spiritual separation, and the transformative power of God's presence and redemption. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The space between two objects; the length of a line, especially the shortest line joining two points or things that are separate; measure of separation in place.2. (n.) Remoteness of place; a remote place. 3. (n.) A space marked out in the last part of a race course. 4. (n.) Relative space, between troops in ranks, measured from front to rear; -- contrasted with interval, which is measured from right to left. 5. (n.) Space between two antagonists in fencing. 6. (n.) The part of a picture which contains the representation of those objects which are the farthest away, esp. in a landscape. 7. (n.) Ideal disjunction; discrepancy; contrariety. 8. (n.) Length or interval of time; period, past or future, between two eras or events. 9. (n.) The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness. 10. (n.) A withholding of intimacy; alienation; coldness; disagreement; variance; restraint; reserve. 11. (n.) Remoteness in succession or relation; as, the distance between a descendant and his ancestor. 12. (n.) The interval between two notes; as, the distance of a fourth or seventh. 13. (v. t.) To place at a distance or remotely. 14. (v. t.) To cause to appear as if at a distance; to make seem remote. 15. (v. t.) To outstrip by as much as a distance (see Distance, n., 3); to leave far behind; to surpass greatly. Greek 5081. telaugos -- at a distance clearly ... at a distance clearly. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: telaugos Phonetic Spelling: (tay-low-goce') Short Definition: clearly, distinctly Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5081.htm - 6k 3113. makrothen -- from afar, afar 4207. porrothen -- from afar 3112. makran -- a long way, far 4712. stadion -- a stadium (a Gr. measure of length), by impl. a ... 1000. bole -- a throw 1339. diistemi -- to set apart, to intervene, make an interval 4206. porro -- far off 575. apo -- from, away from 4208. porroteron -- farther. Strong's Hebrew 3530. kibrah -- distance... 3529, 3530. kibrah. 3531 . distance. Transliteration: kibrah Phonetic Spelling: (kib-raw') Short Definition: distance. Word Origin ... /hebrew/3530.htm - 6k 7350. rachoq -- distant, far, a distance 1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner 4801. merchaq -- distant place, distance 7368. rachaq -- to be or become far or distant 776. erets -- earth, land 4109. mahalak -- a walk, journey, a going 1973. haleah -- out there, onwards, further 168. ohel -- a tent 6822. tsaphah -- to look out or about, spy, keep watch Library Whether Local Distance Impedes the Knowledge in the Separated Soul ... Whether Local Distance Influences the Angelic Speech? Theory of Stellar Motion and Distance in Accordance with Harmony. That any Province on Account of Its Distance, May have Its Own ... I Therefore Bent My Steps Toward the Hut which I had Beheld from a ... And a Woman Cried Out from a Distance, and Said... How Constantine Commanded the Materials of the Idol Temple, and ... John Chapter xiii. 16-20. The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God. Thesaurus Distance (75 Occurrences)... 11. (n.) Remoteness in succession or relation; as, the distance between a descendant and his ancestor. 12. ... 13. (vt) To place at a distance or remotely. 14. ... /d/distance.htm - 29k Day's (19 Occurrences) Little (2458 Occurrences) Far (2526 Occurrences) Way (7551 Occurrences) Short (128 Occurrences) Journey (214 Occurrences) Further (121 Occurrences) Farther (33 Occurrences) Tigris (2 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view long-distance relationships? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about the existence of black holes? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org Distance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Distance (75 Occurrences)Matthew 8:30 Matthew 14:24 Matthew 26:39 Matthew 26:58 Matthew 27:55 Mark 5:6 Mark 8:3 Mark 11:13 Mark 14:35 Mark 14:54 Mark 15:40 Luke 11:6 Luke 14:32 Luke 15:20 Luke 16:23 Luke 17:12 Luke 18:13 Luke 22:41 Luke 22:54 Luke 23:49 John 11:18 Acts 15:3 Hebrews 11:13 Revelation 14:20 Revelation 18:10 Revelation 18:15 Revelation 18:17 Genesis 21:16 Genesis 22:4 Genesis 30:36 Genesis 31:23 Genesis 35:16 Genesis 36:6 Genesis 37:18 Genesis 44:4 Genesis 48:7 Exodus 2:4 Exodus 20:18 Exodus 20:21 Exodus 24:1 Exodus 33:7 Numbers 2:2 Numbers 16:37 Numbers 35:4 Deuteronomy 14:24 Deuteronomy 19:6 Deuteronomy 20:15 Deuteronomy 21:2 Deuteronomy 32:52 Joshua 3:4 Joshua 3:16 Judges 18:22 1 Samuel 26:13 2 Samuel 11:10 2 Samuel 15:17 2 Samuel 16:1 2 Samuel 18:13 2 Samuel 19:36 1 Kings 6:24 2 Kings 2:7 2 Kings 4:25 2 Kings 5:19 2 Chronicles 26:15 Ezra 3:13 Nehemiah 12:43 Job 2:12 Job 30:10 Job 39:29 Psalms 10:1 Psalms 103:12 Isaiah 57:9 Isaiah 59:14 Jeremiah 23:23 Ezekiel 40:13 Ezekiel 40:19 Subtopics Related Terms |