Lexical Summary makrothen: From afar, at a distance Original Word: μακρόθεν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance afar off, from far. Adverb from makros; from a distance or afar -- afar off, from far. see GREEK makros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom makros Definition from afar, afar NASB Translation away* (1), distance (11), far (1), great distance (1), some distance away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3113: μακρόθενμακρόθεν (μακρός), adverb, especially of later Greek (Polybius, others; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 93); the Sept. for מֵרָחוק, רָחוק, etc.; from afar, afar: Mark 8:3; Mark 11:13; Luke 18:13; Luke 22:54; Luke 23:49; with the preposition ἀπό prefixed (cf. Winers Grammar, 422 (393); § 65, 2; Buttmann, 70 (62)): Matthew 26:58 (here T omits; WH brackets ἀπό); Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Greek 3113 (μακρόθεν, makrothen) denotes spatial remoteness: “from a distance,” “afar off,” “a long way.” In Scripture it often carries theological overtones, portraying the posture of observers, disciples, sinners, or nations whose physical separation mirrors spiritual realities of hesitation, reverence, fear, or judgment. Occurrences in the Gospels 1. Matthew 26:58; Mark 14:54; Luke 22:54 – Peter follows Jesus “from a distance” after the arrest. His bodily separation reflects inner conflict: close enough to watch, yet unwilling to risk open identification. Prophetic Judgment in Revelation Revelation 18:10, 15, 17 portrays kings, merchants, and sailors “standing at a distance” as Babylon the great burns. The repeated phrase underscores fearful reluctance to share her plagues while lamenting lost profit. Physical withdrawal cannot avert judgment; only repentance can. Theological Themes • Reverence and Fear: “Distance” sometimes protects fragile faith (Peter) or expresses awe (women at the cross). Historical Reception Early church commentators (e.g., Chrysostom on Matthew 26) contrast Peter’s bold vow with his distant following, exhorting believers to consistent closeness to Christ. Medieval homilists applied Luke 18:13 to penitent posture in worship. Reformation expositors saw in Revelation 18 the worldly church standing aloof from divine judgment while still cherishing her goods. Ministry Implications • Pastoral Care: Feed attenders who come “from a distance”—geographically or spiritually—before they faint (Mark 8:3). Summary Makrothen traces a line from hesitant followers to compassionate Savior, from humble penitent to eternal gulf, from worldly spectators to prophetic doom. Every occurrence invites readers to examine their own stance: standing afar, or drawing near to the One who “has brought you near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Forms and Transliterations μακροθεν μακρόθεν makrothen makróthenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 26:58 AdvGRK: αὐτῷ ἀπὸ μακρόθεν ἕως τῆς NAS: was following Him at a distance as far INT: him from afar even to the Matthew 27:55 Adv Mark 5:6 Adv Mark 8:3 Adv Mark 11:13 Adv Mark 14:54 Adv Mark 15:40 Adv Luke 16:23 Adv Luke 18:13 Adv Luke 22:54 Adv Luke 23:49 Adv Revelation 18:10 Adv Revelation 18:15 Adv Revelation 18:17 Adv |
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