Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "near" in the Bible encompasses both physical proximity and spiritual closeness. It is a term that appears in various contexts, illustrating the relationship between God and humanity, as well as interpersonal relationships among people.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "near" often refers to physical proximity. For example, in Genesis 45:10, Joseph tells his brothers, "You shall dwell in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own." Here, "near" signifies a geographical closeness that facilitates familial support and protection. Spiritually, "near" is used to describe the relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 4:7, Moses declares, "For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him?" This verse highlights the unique closeness of God to Israel, emphasizing His readiness to listen and respond to their prayers. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, "near" continues to convey both physical and spiritual meanings. In the context of Jesus' ministry, "near" often refers to the proximity of the Kingdom of God. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" Here, "near" signifies the imminent arrival of God's reign through Jesus Christ. The concept of spiritual nearness is further developed in the epistles. James 4:8 encourages believers, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of the relationship between God and believers, where drawing near to God involves repentance and purification. Theological Implications Theologically, the idea of "near" is significant in understanding God's immanence. God is not distant or detached from His creation; rather, He is intimately involved in the lives of His people. This nearness is most profoundly expressed in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who came to dwell among humanity (John 1:14). Moreover, the nearness of God is a source of comfort and assurance for believers. Psalm 145:18 affirms, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth." This promise assures believers of God's presence and readiness to assist those who seek Him sincerely. Practical Application For Christians, the concept of "near" encourages a life of intimacy with God. It calls for regular prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture as means to draw closer to Him. Additionally, it challenges believers to live in a way that reflects the nearness of God's kingdom, embodying the values of love, justice, and mercy in their daily lives. In summary, "near" in the Bible is a multifaceted term that encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, highlighting the closeness of God to His people and the call for believers to draw near to Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (adv.) At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree; not remote; nigh.2. (adv.) Nearly; almost; well-nigh. 3. (adv.) Closely; intimately. 4. (adv.) Not far distant in time, place, or degree; not remote; close at hand; adjacent; neighboring; nigh. 5. (adv.) Closely connected or related. 6. (adv.) Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend. 7. (adv.) Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling; as, a version near to the original. 8. (adv.) So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow; as, a near escape. 9. (adv.) Next to the driver, when he is on foot; in the United States, on the left of an animal or a team; as, the near ox; the near leg. See Off side, under Off, a. 10. (a) Immediate; direct; close; short. 11. (a) Close-fisted; parsimonious. 12. (prep.) Adjacent to; close by; not far from; nigh; as, the ship sailed near the land. 13. (adv.) To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land. 14. (v. i.) To draw near; to approach. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEAR, NIGHner, ni (chiefly qarobh, "to draw near," qarabh; eggus): Used of proximity in place (Genesis 19:20; Genesis 45:10 Exodus 13:17 Psalm 22:11 John 3:23, etc.), time (Jeremiah 48:16 Ezekiel 7:7; Ezekiel 30:3 Mark 13:28), or kinship (Leviticus 21:2 Ruth 3:12), but also employed of moral nearness. Yahweh is "nigh" to them that are of a broken heart (Psalm 34:18). God draws nigh to His people, and they to Him (James 4:8). The antithesis is God's "farness" from the wicked. Greek 1448. eggizo -- to make near, refl. to come near ... 1447, 1448. eggizo. 1449 . to make near, refl. to come near. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eggizo Phonetic Spelling: (eng ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1448.htm - 8k 4139. plesion -- near, neighboring 4334. proserchomai -- to approach, to draw near 1451. eggus -- near (in place or time) 3897. paraplesios -- coming near, nearly resembling 3887. parameno -- to remain beside or near 2748. Kedron -- Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. 4921. sunistemi and sunistano -- to commend, establish, stand near ... 3939. paroikeo -- to dwell near, ie reside as a foreigner 1148. Dalmanoutha -- Dalmanutha, an unidentified place near the ... Strong's Hebrew 7126. qarab -- to come near, approach... 7125, 7126. qarab. 7127 . to come near, approach. Transliteration: qarab Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-rab') Short Definition: offer. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7126.htm - 6k 5066. nagash -- to draw near, approach 7138. qarob -- near 5883. En Rogel -- a place near Jer. 7608. shaarah -- near kinswomen 71. Abanah -- a river near Damascus 549. Amanah -- a river near Damascus, also the region from which ... 1619. Gareb -- one of David's heroes, also a hill near Jer. 1601. Goah -- a place near Jer. 5467. Sedom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea Library The Far and Near A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation The Time is Drawing Near, It was Near the Middle Hour of the Night. ... The Wily Judas Watches Near The Final Conflict and Heaven in the Near Prospect of Death. Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History ... Be Joyful All, Both Far and Near. But when I was Come Near Sogane, I Caused the Multitude to Make A. ... And when they were Near to the Land, which God had Promised to ... Thesaurus Near (3455 Occurrences)... 6. (adv.) Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend. 7. (adv ... /n/near.htm - 9k Near-tumult (1 Occurrence) Kin (18 Occurrences) Approached (61 Occurrences) Kedesh (12 Occurrences) Coast (70 Occurrences) Kinsman (29 Occurrences) Approach (56 Occurrences) Closer (7 Occurrences) Questioned (57 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about near death experiences? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Is it important for a Christian to have daily devotions? | GotQuestions.org Near: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Near (3455 Occurrences)Near appears 3455 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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