Topical Encyclopedia The term "far" in the Bible often denotes physical distance, but it can also convey spiritual or relational separation. It is used in various contexts throughout Scripture to illustrate the vastness of God's creation, the separation between God and humanity due to sin, and the distance God can remove our transgressions from us.1. Physical Distance: The Bible frequently uses "far" to describe geographical distances. For instance, in the Old Testament, the Israelites often traveled "far" from their homeland, whether in exile or during their wanderings. In Deuteronomy 30:11, Moses reassures the Israelites that God's commandments are not "too difficult for you or beyond your reach," emphasizing that God's word is not far from them. 2. Spiritual Separation: "Far" is also used metaphorically to describe the spiritual distance between God and sinners. 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 separation is not due to God's inability to reach us but rather our own sinfulness that creates a chasm. 3. God's Nearness and Mercy: Despite the separation caused by sin, the Bible assures believers of God's willingness to bridge this gap. Psalm 103:12 declares, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." This verse highlights the infinite mercy of God, who removes our sins to an immeasurable distance. 4. The Call to Return: The Bible often calls those who are "far" from God to return to Him. In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates a son who went to a "distant country" and squandered his inheritance. Despite being far from his father, he is welcomed back with open arms upon his return, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent. 5. The Gospel's Reach: The term "far" also underscores the expansive reach of the Gospel. In Acts 2:39, Peter proclaims, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." This indicates that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is not limited by physical or cultural boundaries but is available to all, regardless of how "far" they may be. 6. Eschatological Implications: In eschatological contexts, "far" can refer to the future fulfillment of God's promises. Hebrews 11:13 speaks of the patriarchs who "saw the promises from afar and welcomed them," indicating their faith in God's future deliverance and the ultimate realization of His kingdom. In summary, the concept of "far" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of both the separation caused by sin and the boundless reach of God's grace and redemption. Whether describing physical distances or spiritual realities, it underscores the transformative power of God's love to bring those who are far near to Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A young pig, or a litter of pigs.2. (a.) Distant in any direction; not near; remote; mutually separated by a wide space or extent. 3. (a.) Remote from purpose; contrary to design or wishes; as, far be it from me to justify cruelty. 4. (a.) Remote in affection or obedience; at a distance, morally or spiritually; t enmity with; alienated. 5. (a.) Widely different in nature or quality; opposite in character. 6. (n.) The more distant of two; as, the far side (called also off side) of a horse, that is, the right side, or the one opposite to the rider when he mounts. 7. (adv.) To a great extent or distance of space; widely; as, we are separated far from each other. 8. (adv.) To a great distance in time from any point; remotely; as, he pushed his researches far into antiquity. 9. (adv.) In great part; as, the day is far spent. 10. (adv.) In a great proportion; by many degrees; very much; deeply; greatly. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FAR HOUSEThe marginal explanation in the Revised Version (British and American) of Beth-merhak (beth ha-merchaq, "house of distance"), which is given in the text of 2 Samuel 15:17 instead of "a place that was far off." FAR; FARTHER far, far'-ther: "Far" (adj.), distant, remote; (advb.) widely removed, is most frequently in the Old Testament the translation of rachoq, and in the New Testament of makran, but also of other Hebrew and Greek words. The word chalilah, an exclamation of abhorrence or aversion Septuagint me genoito; see FORBID), is rendered "far from me," "far from thee," etc. (Genesis 18:25 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Samuel 20:9; 1 Samuel 22:15 2 Samuel 20:20; 2 Samuel 23:17 Job 34:10). Besides its literal sense, distance in a spiritual sense is expressed by "far," as "Salvation is far from the wicked" (Psalm 119:155; compare Proverbs 15:29), "far from righteousness" (Isaiah 46:12), "not far from the kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34), etc. For "far" the Revised Version (British and American) has "aloof" in Job 30:10; in several places the word in the King James Version is omitted (Judges 9:17 Psalm 27:9 Isaiah 19:6; Isaiah 26:15 Mark 13:34); "a far country" is changed to "another" (Matthew 21:33; Matthew 25:14 Mark 13:34), etc. For "God forbid" the Revised Version (British and American) has "far be it," "far be it from me" (Galatians 6:14; in the American Standard Revised Version, Genesis 44:7, 17 1 Samuel 12:23 Job 27:5, etc.). Greek 4206. porro -- far off ... far off. Part of Speech: Adverb; Adverb, Comparative Transliteration: porro Phonetic Spelling: (por'-rho) Short Definition: far, far off Definition: far, far off ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4206.htm - 6k 3112. makran -- a long way, far 891. achri -- until, as far as 3360. mechri -- as far as, until 3117. makros -- long, far distant 4054. perissoteron -- more abundantly, a great deal, far more. 2193. heos -- till, until 5231. huperano -- (high) above 3113. makrothen -- from afar, afar 4207. porrothen -- from afar Strong's Hebrew 7368. rachaq -- to be or become far or distant... 7367, 7368. rachaq. 7369 . to be or become far or distant. Transliteration: rachaq Phonetic Spelling: (raw-khak') Short Definition: far. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/7368.htm - 6k 7350. rachoq -- distant, far, a distance 2486. chalilah -- far be it! 5704. ad -- as far as, even to, up to, until, while 7352. rechiq -- far 1023. beth hammerchaq -- Beth-ham-Merchak, a place in Palestine ... 1972. hala -- to be removed far off 4473. mimshach -- perhaps expanded or far-reaching wings 4801. merchaq -- distant place, distance 1419. gadol -- great Library The Far and Near Neighbours Far Off Not Far and not In "Far Better. " Far be It, Therefore, that the Apostle So Said... Thus Far of Sex. ... Far from Thy Heavenly Care, Nature, in as Far as it is Nature, no Evil. Far be It, Lord, Far be it from the Heart of Thy Servant who Here. ... O Love of God, Surpassing Far Thesaurus Far (2526 Occurrences)... space or extent. 3. (a.) Remote from purpose; contrary to design or wishes; as, far be it from me to justify cruelty. 4. (a.) Remote ... /f/far.htm - 11k Far-off (14 Occurrences) Far-seeing (3 Occurrences) Far-away (3 Occurrences) Far-scattered (1 Occurrence) Far-stretching (1 Occurrence) Far-covering (1 Occurrence) Far-distant (1 Occurrence) Far-echoing (1 Occurrence) Resources How far is too far? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God has removed our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Majority Text? | GotQuestions.org Far: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Far (2526 Occurrences)Far occurs 2526 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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