Brief Overview of πορρώτερον (Strong’s G4208: porrōteron)

Strong’s G4208: The comparative form of porrō (far), meaning “further” or “farther.” Used uniquely in Luke’s account of the Emmaus road encounter, where Jesus “made as though he would go further,” creating a moment of hospitality that led to spiritual revelation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορρώτερον represents increased distance or further progression. In its sole New Testament appearance, it occurs in the pivotal Emmaus road narrative, where Jesus’ apparent intention to go further prompts the disciples’ invitation that leads to revelation. Early church writers saw in this use a pattern of divine pedagogy – Christ’s apparent withdrawal drawing forth deeper engagement. Today, it reminds us how distance or separation can paradoxically lead to closer spiritual intimacy.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορρώτερον, porrōteron, por-RO-ter-on
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-ROH-ter-on (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb (Comparative)

Etymology:

• Root: πόρρω (porrō) – far
• -τερον (-teron) – comparative suffix
• Combined meaning: “further than”

D – Defining Meanings

• Further
• Farther
• To a greater distance

Translation Options:

• “Further” – emphasizes progression
• “Farther” – stresses physical distance
• “Beyond” – indicates extended movement

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πόρρω (porrō, POR-rho) – far – See G4206
• μακρότερον (makroteron, mak-ROH-ter-on) – further – See G3117
• ἐπέκεινα (epekeina, ep-EK-i-na) – beyond – See G1900

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb in comparative form, πορρώτερον is indeclinable. It represents:

• Base form: πόρρω (far)
• Comparative: πορρώτερον (further)
• Superlative: πορρώτατα (farthest)

Cross-references:

• Related adverb: πόρρωθεν (from afar)
• Related adjective forms: πορρώτερος/α/ον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in the Emmaus narrative. Thayer’s notes its comparative force. LSJ documents classical usage for physical distance. Vine’s highlights its singular NT appearance. Strong’s connects it to progressive movement. LEH notes similar Septuagint comparative formations. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from travel descriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 24:28: “And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone [πορρώτερον] further.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 24:28.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Republic	“The argument must proceed [πορρώτερον] further to reach truth.”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“The army marched [πορρώτερον] further into the territory.”
Aristotle: Politics	“We must investigate [πορρώτερον] further into these matters.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορρώτερον, in its unique New Testament usage, reveals how apparent distance can create opportunity for deeper revelation. Just as Jesus’ seeming intention to go further prompted an invitation leading to recognition, the gospel often works through moments of perceived separation to draw us into closer communion with Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. This is the only comparative adverb of distance used in Luke’s gospel.
2. Early Christian commentators saw this word as key to understanding divine pedagogy.
3. The term influenced development of spiritual direction practices in early monasticism.

Strong’s G4208: The comparative form of porrō (far), meaning “further” or “farther.” Used uniquely in Luke’s account of the Emmaus road encounter, where Jesus “made as though he would go further,” creating a moment of hospitality that led to spiritual revelation.

Part of speech: Adverb (Comparative)

Tags: distance, Emmaus road, revelation, hospitality, divine pedagogy, Luke’s Gospel, comparative forms, spiritual insight, Jesus’ appearances, resurrection encounters​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​