Brief Overview of ἐγγίζω (G1448: engízō)

Introduction:

In the study of the New Testament, understanding the original Greek words is crucial for grasping the full meaning and implications of the text. One such word is ἐγγίζω (G1448: engízō), a verb that carries the sense of drawing near, approaching, or coming close. This word is significant because it is often used in contexts that describe the nearness of the kingdom of God, the approach of an individual to Jesus, or the coming of significant events. The concept of “nearness” in the New Testament is frequently tied to both spatial and metaphorical proximity, making ἐγγίζω a word with rich theological and cultural implications. Understanding this word helps to unlock deeper layers of meaning in the passages where it appears, particularly those related to the imminence of divine action or presence.

Key Information:

Greek Word: ἐγγίζω (engízō) [en-gid’-zo]
Etymology: The word ἐγγίζω is derived from the root ἐγγύς (engýs), meaning “near” or “close.” The verb form ἐγγίζω literally means “to make near” or “to bring near,” indicating the action of approaching or coming close.
Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active)
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

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To Draw Near: This is the most common use of ἐγγίζω, indicating physical or metaphorical movement towards something or someone.
To Approach: Used in contexts where someone is coming close to another person, place, or event.
To Be at Hand: Often used in the New Testament to describe the imminence of the kingdom of God or the coming of a significant event.

Similar Words:

προσέρχομαι (proserchomai) [pros-er’-khom-ahee]: Meaning “to come to” or “to approach,” this word is similar to ἐγγίζω but often emphasizes the act of arriving or going towards someone or something, rather than just drawing near.
ἐφίσταμαι (ephistamai) [ef-is’-tam-ahee]: This word means “to stand near” or “to come upon suddenly,” and while related in meaning, it often carries a more sudden or unexpected connotation than ἐγγίζω.

Further Insights:

Morphological Insights:
ἐγγίζω is a regular Greek verb that follows the typical conjugation patterns in the present, imperfect, and aorist tenses. It is often used in the present active form to indicate an ongoing action of approaching or drawing near.
The verb is frequently used in the imperative mood in the New Testament, especially in exhortations or calls to action, such as “Draw near to God.”

Tense	First Person Singular	Second Person Singular	Third Person Singular
Present	ἐγγίζω	ἐγγίζεις	ἐγγίζει
Imperfect	ἤγγιζον	ἤγγιζες	ἤγγιζε
Aorist	ἤγγισα	ἤγγισας	ἤγγισε

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG: ἐγγίζω is defined as “to draw near” or “to approach,” with particular emphasis on its use in contexts where the nearness of the kingdom of God or other significant events is highlighted. The lexicon notes its frequent use in the New Testament to describe both physical proximity and metaphorical closeness, such as the approach of salvation or judgment.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐγγίζω as “to bring near” or “to draw near,” focusing on its usage in passages that emphasize the imminence of important events or the approach of individuals to Jesus. The lexicon highlights the theological significance of the word in describing the nearness of God’s kingdom.

Vine’s: ἐγγίζω is noted as a verb that means “to draw near,” with a special focus on its New Testament application in describing the nearness of divine action or the proximity of individuals to holy places or persons. Vine’s underscores the importance of this word in conveying the urgency of spiritual readiness.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐγγίζω is recognized as a verb meaning “to bring near” or “to approach,” commonly used in various contexts, including physical proximity, temporal nearness, and metaphorical closeness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐγγίζω is listed as “to draw near” or “to approach,” with emphasis on its Biblical usage to describe the approach of people to Jesus or the coming nearness of God’s kingdom.

Scripture References:

Matthew 3:2: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (ἐγγίζω).”
James 4:8: “Draw near (ἐγγίζω) to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Luke 21:20: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near (ἐγγίζω).”

Classical Usage:

Text Source	Example
Herodotus, Histories	“The army began to draw near (ἐγγίζω) the city walls, preparing for the siege.”
Xenophon, Anabasis	“As the enemy approached (ἐγγίζω), we readied our defenses.”
Homer, Iliad	“Achilles drew near (ἐγγίζω) the enemy, his fury unmatched.”

Summary of ἐγγίζω (G1448: engízō):

The verb ἐγγίζω (G1448: engízō) is a significant term in the New Testament, used to convey the concept of drawing near, approaching, or coming close. It is often employed in contexts that describe the nearness of God’s kingdom, the approach of individuals to Jesus, or the imminent arrival of significant events. Understanding ἐγγίζω is crucial for interpreting passages that emphasize the proximity of divine action or the urgency of repentance and spiritual readiness. The word also connects to classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe both physical and metaphorical approaches, further illustrating its importance in conveying themes of nearness and imminence.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The use of ἐγγίζω in the New Testament often carries a sense of urgency, particularly in passages where the kingdom of God is described as being “at hand.” This term emphasizes the immediate availability of God’s presence and the need for a prompt response, reflecting the early Christian belief in the imminent fulfillment of God’s promises.