Lexical Summary egguteron: nearer Original Word: ἐγγύτερον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nearer. Neuter of the comparative of eggus; nearer -- nearer. see GREEK eggus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from neut. of cptv. of eggus, q.v. NASB Translation get (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1452: ἐγγύτερονἐγγύτερον, neuter of the comparitive ἐγγυτερος (from ἐγγύς), used adverbially, nearer: Romans 13:11. Topical Lexicon Meaning of Nearness in Biblical Revelation From Genesis to Revelation Scripture presents a dynamic tension between the “already” of God’s redemptive acts and the “not yet” of their final consummation. The comparative idea expressed in Strong’s 1452 (“nearer”) underscores that history is moving toward a divinely appointed climax. The term speaks not of mere spatial proximity but of advancing fulfillment—God’s purposes drawing steadily closer to their appointed goal (see Isaiah 46:10; Habakkuk 2:3). Occurrence in Romans 13:11 Romans 13:11 is the single New Testament occurrence: “And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed”. Paul situates “nearer” within an urgent call to ethical vigilance. The aorist infinitive “to wake up” marks a decisive turning from moral lethargy, while the comparative “nearer” supplies the motive: every passing moment shortens the interval until the revelation of Jesus Christ (see Romans 13:12-14). Eschatological Expectation 1. Progressive Salvation: Paul distinguishes between justification already received (Romans 5:1) and salvation in its final phase—glorification (Romans 8:23). Implications for Christian Conduct • Moral Urgency—Holy living is not optional add-on but the logical fruit of impending consummation (1 John 3:2-3). Historical Usage in Early Church Teaching Early patristic writings echo Paul’s emphasis on nearness. The Didache exhorts: “Be vigilant, for you know not the hour in which our Lord comes.” Ignatius of Antioch speaks of living “according to the times,” recognizing the advance of God’s plan. Such exhortations mirror Romans 13:11, showing that “nearer” shaped early Christian discipleship. Old Testament Parallels • Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” These passages prepare the theological soil in which Paul’s statement grows: God’s nearness invites response and repentance. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching: Highlight eschatological imminence without date-setting. Devotional Reflections on Spiritual Vigilance Each sunrise testifies that the final dawn is closer than ever. Romans 13:11 invites believers to begin every day with watchful readiness, praying with the psalmist, “Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Forms and Transliterations εγγυτερον ἐγγύτερον enguteron engyteron engýteronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 13:11 AdvGRK: νῦν γὰρ ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ KJV: [is] our salvation nearer than when INT: now indeed nearer [is] of us the |
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