Brief Overview of πόρρωθεν (Strong’s G4207: porrōthen)

Strong’s G4207: An adverb meaning “from afar” or “at a distance,” derived from porrō (far). In New Testament usage, appears in contexts describing physical separation due to illness (lepers) or spiritual insight (faith’s vision), emphasizing both literal and metaphorical distance.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόρρωθεν expresses observation or action from a distance. In the New Testament, it appears notably in the account of the ten lepers who stood afar off, reflecting both physical quarantine and social separation. In Hebrews, it describes the faith of patriarchs who saw God’s promises from afar. Early church writers used this term to discuss both physical separation due to illness and spiritual perception of divine truths. Today, it helps us understand both social distancing in biblical times and spiritual foresight through faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πόρρωθεν, porrōthen, por-RO-then
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-ROH-then (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Root: πόρρω (porrō) – far
• -θεν (-then) – suffix indicating “from”
• Combined meaning: “from far away”

D – Defining Meanings

• From afar
• At a distance
• From far away

Translation Options:

• “From afar” – emphasizes source or perspective
• “At a distance” – focuses on spatial relationship
• “Far off” – general distance reference

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μακρόθεν (makrothen, mak-ROH-then) – from far – See G3113
• πόρρω (porrō, POR-rho) – far – See G4206
• ἄπωθεν (apōthen, AP-o-then) – from far away – See G575

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, πόρρωθεν is indeclinable, maintaining the same form regardless of its position or function in the sentence. The -θεν suffix adds the meaning “from” to the root word πόρρω.

Cross-references:

• Related adverb: πόρρω (far)
• Comparative form: πορρωτέρωθεν (from further away)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both physical and metaphorical distance. Thayer’s notes its frequent appearance in Luke. LSJ documents classical usage in military contexts. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to viewing from a distance. LEH notes Septuagint usage in ceremonial contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from travel accounts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 17:12: “And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood [πόρρωθεν] afar off.”

Additional References:
Hebrews 11:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόρρωθεν teaches us about both physical and spiritual perspectives. Whether describing lepers maintaining physical distance or faithful ancestors seeing God’s promises from afar, it reminds us that distance need not prevent faith or healing. The gospel proclaims that Christ bridges all distances, bringing near those who were far off.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in medical texts describing quarantine practices.
2. It appears in ancient military manuals for scout reporting.
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe prophetic vision.

Strong’s G4207: An adverb meaning “from afar” or “at a distance,” derived from porrō (far). In New Testament usage, appears in contexts describing physical separation due to illness (lepers) or spiritual insight (faith’s vision), emphasizing both literal and metaphorical distance.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: distance, separation, lepers, faith, vision, promises, healing, perspective, social distance, spiritual insight​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​