Lexical Summary makros: Long, large, far Original Word: μακρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance far, long. From mekos; long (in place (distant) or time (neuter plural)) -- far, long. see GREEK mekos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root Definition long, far distant NASB Translation distant (2), long (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3117: μακρόςμακρός, μακρά, μακρόν (from Homer down), long; of place, remote, distant, far off: χώρα, Luke 15:13; Luke 19:12. of time, long, lasting long: μακρά προσεύχομαι, to pray long, make long prayers, Matthew 23:14 (137 Rec.); Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47. Topical Lexicon Range of MeaningThe root idea behind Strong’s Greek 3117 is “length.” In the New Testament this length expresses itself in two chief ways: 1. Spatial distance (“far away,” “afar”) Because the same form can function either adverbially (“at a distance”) or adjectivally (“long”), context determines whether the focus is on space or on time. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47 – “They devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers”. Luke 15:13 – “After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country.” Luke 19:12 – “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive for himself a kingdom and return.” Acts 2:39 – “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away—as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” Physical Distance and Lostness In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:13), the younger son’s decision to travel “to a distant country” embodies estrangement from the father. The distance is more than geographic; it signifies moral and relational separation. Yet the same account climaxes with the father running to meet the son “while he was still a long way off” (Luke 15:20, using the cognate adjective). Thus the word contributes to a powerful image of repentance and grace: no matter how “far” one has wandered, the Father welcomes the returning sinner. Christ’s Departure and Stewardship In Luke 19:12–27 the nobleman’s journey “to a distant country” sets the stage for responsible stewardship during his absence. The vocabulary underscores a significant interval between Christ’s ascension and return: disciples must occupy themselves faithfully even when the kingdom appears remote. The spatial distance conveys temporal delay, encouraging perseverance and vigilance. Hypocrisy Exposed by Lengthy Prayers In all three Synoptic woes (Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47) the term modifies “prayers,” condemning ostentatious religiosity. The point is not the duration of earnest prayer—Scripture commends persistent intercession—but the motive behind it. Here 3117 becomes a moral spotlight: outward religious length without inward devotion is worthless. It cautions ministry leaders to beware of theatrical spirituality that exploits the vulnerable. Mission to the Nations Acts 2:39 reaches beyond ethnic Israel to “all who are far away.” During Pentecost thousands of diaspora Jews heard the gospel in their own tongues; Peter’s wording anticipates the subsequent mission to Gentiles. The same expression later appears in Ephesians 2:13, 17 (using the adjective), where those “far away” are brought near by Christ’s blood. Thus 3117 marks the global horizon of redemption: distance is no obstacle to divine calling. Historical Setting First–century Judaism valued extended liturgical prayers, yet rabbis warned against mechanical verbosity. Jesus, standing within that tradition, targets those who turned piety into profit. Meanwhile, the imagery of distant lands resonated with an audience living under Roman rule, familiar with travel and colonization. Luke’s “distant country” would evoke both commercial opportunity and potential ruin—a fitting backdrop for parables about stewardship and repentance. Ministry Implications • Prayer: Scripture challenges believers to cultivate sincerity rather than mere length. Summary Strong’s Greek 3117 weaves through the New Testament as a thread of distance and duration. Whether exposing empty religiosity, depicting human estrangement, urging faithful stewardship, or heralding a worldwide gospel, the word reminds readers that the God who reigns above space and time bridges every gap with grace. Forms and Transliterations μακρα μακρά μακρὰ μακραν μακράν μακρὰν μακρόν μακρός μακρότερα μακρότης μακρότητα μακρότητος μακρούς μακροχρονίσωσι μακρώ μακρών makra makrà makran makrán makrànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:14 Adj-ANPGRK: καὶ προφάσει μακρὰ προσευχόμενοι διὰ KJV: make long prayer: INT: and as a pretext at great length praying Because of Mark 12:40 Adj-ANP Luke 15:13 Adj-AFS Luke 19:12 Adj-AFS Luke 20:47 Adj-ANP Acts 2:39 Adv Strong's Greek 3117 |
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