Lexical Summary makran: Far, far away, at a distance Original Word: μακράν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance far offFeminine accusative case singular of makros (hodos being implied); at a distance (literally or figuratively) -- (a-)far (off), good (great) way off. see GREEK makros see GREEK hodos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. acc. sing. of makros Definition a long way, far NASB Translation distance (1), far (5), far away (1), far off (2), long way (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3112: μακράνμακράν (properly, feminine accusative of the adjective μακρός, namely, ὁδόν, a long way (Winers Grammar, 230 (216); Buttmann, § 131, 12)), adverb, the Sept. for רָחוק) (from Aeschylus down); far, a great way: absolutely, ἀπέχειν, Luke 15:20; of the terminus to which, far hence, ἐξαποστελῶ σε, Acts 22:21; with ἀπό τίνος added, Matthew 8:30; Luke 7:6 (T omits ἀπό); John 21:8; τόν Θεόν ... οὐ μακράν ἀπό ἑνός ἑκάστου ἡμῶν ὑπάρχοντα, i. e. who is near everyone of us by his power and influence (so that we have no need to seek the knowledge of him from without), Acts 17:27; οἱ εἰς μακράν (cf. Winer's Grammar, 415 (387)) those that are afar off, the inhabitants of remote regions, i. e. the Gentiles, Acts 2:39, cf. Isaiah 2:2ff; Zechariah 6:15. metaphorically, οὐ μακράν εἰ ἀπό τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ, but little is lacking for thy reception into the kingdom of God, or thou art almost fit to be a citizen in the divine kingdom, Mark 12:34; οἱ πότε ὄντες μακράν (opposed to οἱ ἐγγύς), of heathen (on the sense, see ἐγγύς, 1 b.), Ephesians 2:13; also οἱ μακράν, Ephesians 2:17. Topical Lexicon Scope and Primary Sense The adverb μακράν describes measurable distance—geographic, spatial, even psychological. In Scripture it functions literally (boats, herds, physical proximity) and metaphorically (nearness to God, inclusion in His covenant). In every setting it forms a contrast with nearness and so highlights movement, separation, or reunion. Literal Distance in the Gospel Narratives Matthew 8:30 locates “a large herd of pigs feeding at a distance” from Jesus when He delivers the Gerasene demoniacs. The detail magnifies the supernatural reach of His authority: demons expelled from two men travel “far away” into animals still subject to His word. John 21:8 depicts the disciples “about two hundred cubits away from shore” after the resurrection. The resurrected Lord stands on the beach, yet still provides a miraculous catch. The adverb underscores both the reality of the physical gap and the ease with which Christ bridges it. Luke 7:6 shows a Gentile centurion who sends word, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.” Though physically “not far,” he perceives a moral distance, confessing unworthiness while trusting in Jesus’ authority. μακράν subtly prepares readers for the later emphasis on Gentile inclusion. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Compassion from Afar Luke 15:20: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion.” The term spotlights the father’s watchfulness; mercy meets the sinner before he closes the gap. The gospel invitation originates with the Father, not the wanderer. Every subsequent New Testament occurrence that speaks of spiritual distance echoes this grace-initiative. Nearness to the Kingdom: A Call to Decision Mark 12:34 records Jesus’ verdict on the scribe: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” The word gauges spiritual position—so close that only surrender keeps the man outside. The episode warns that intellectual appreciation of truth still leaves a person “far” unless accompanied by faith and obedience. Missional Mandate in Acts Acts 17:27 declares the divine intent “that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” Paul employs μακράν to expose the folly of idolatry in Athens: humanity feels estranged, yet God remains accessible. Acts 22:21 records Christ’s commission to Paul: “Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” The spatial term frames the Gentile world as distant from Jerusalem’s covenant center, yet also the target of redemptive outreach. Mission pushes believers toward those regarded as “far,” affirming God’s global plan. Pauline Theology of Nearness in Christ Ephesians 2 delivers the fullest theological development. Ephesians 2:13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” The former distance of Gentiles is historical and covenantal. Nearness is achieved not by pilgrimage or law-keeping but by the atoning work of the Messiah. Ephesians 2:17: “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” Christ’s one gospel levels separation between Jew and Gentile, reconciling both groups into one new humanity. μακράν thus becomes a category transcended by the cross; social and ethnic rifts lose their power to divide the church. Biblical Theology: Distance and Divine Initiative From Eden’s exile to the diaspora of Israel, Scripture narrates humanity’s drift from God. μακράν encapsulates this estrangement. Yet every appearance of the adverb simultaneously points to divine pursuit. The Father runs to the prodigal, the Son crosses the Sea of Galilee, and the Spirit empowers apostles to carry good news “to the ends of the earth.” Distance is real, but never insurmountable for God. Ministry Significance and Contemporary Application 1. Evangelism: Believers are sent to those culturally or geographically “far.” The pattern of Acts 22:21 frames missionary zeal as obedience to Christ’s own words. Historical Reflection Early church fathers employed μακράν to describe the Gentile mission (e.g., Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.12.15), seeing in Paul’s language a proof that Christ intended a catholic—that is, universal—church. Medieval commentators drew on Luke 15 to illustrate prevenient grace, while Reformers cited Ephesians 2:13 to emphasize justification by grace through faith. Across centuries the term has served as a verbal hinge: on one side, alienation; on the other, redemptive nearness. Conclusion μακράν eloquently portrays human distance from God and one another, yet every biblical context answers that distance with divine initiative. Whether the object is a herd, a boat, a centurion, a prodigal, an Athenian philosopher, or nations across the sea, the pattern stands: the Lord sees “far,” speaks “far,” and saves “far,” bringing all who believe into the nearness of His kingdom and the fellowship of His church. Forms and Transliterations εμακροημέρευσαν μακραν μακράν μακρὰν μακρόβιον μακροημερεύσετε μακροημερεύσητε μακροήμεροι μακρότερον makran makrànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 8:30 AdvGRK: Ἦν δὲ μακρὰν ἀπ' αὐτῶν NAS: swine feeding at a distance from them. KJV: And there was a good way off from them INT: there was moreover far off from them Mark 12:34 Adv Luke 7:6 Adv Luke 15:20 Adv John 21:8 Adv Acts 17:27 Adv Acts 22:21 Adv Ephesians 2:13 Adv Ephesians 2:17 Adv |
    |