Lexical Summary porró: Far, far away, at a distance Original Word: πόρρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance far, a great way off. Adverb from pro; forwards, i.e. At a distance -- far, a great way off. See also porrhothen. see GREEK pro see GREEK porrhothen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originan alt. form of prosó (far from) Definition far off NASB Translation away* (1), far (2), far away (1), farther (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4206: πόρρωπόρρω ((allied with πρό, Curtius, § 380)), adverb (from Plato, Xenophon down),far, at a distance, a great way off: Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6; Luke 14:32 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 54, 2 a.; Buttmann, § 129, 11); comparitive πορρωτέρω, in L Tr WH πορρώτερον ((Polybius, others)),further: Luke 24:28. Topical Lexicon Usage Across the New TestamentThe adverb translated “far” or “far away” appears four times in the Greek New Testament. Two contexts describe spiritual distance (Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6), while two describe geographical separation (Luke 14:32; Luke 24:28). In every instance the word underscores a contrast—between outward profession and inward reality, between limited human capability and superior force, or between the risen Christ’s hidden purpose and His disciples’ perception. Spiritual Distance: The Isaiah Citation (Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6) Both Evangelists record Jesus’ quotation of Isaiah’s rebuke: “ ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me’ ” (Berean Standard Bible). Here the adverb exposes the hypocrisy of external religion that masks an estranged heart. The Lord’s application to first-century Pharisaic tradition warns every age that ritual piety, however orthodox in form, can coexist with inner estrangement from God (see also Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31). Pastorally, the verse calls congregations to scrutinize not only doctrine and liturgy but also affections and motives. True worship requires proximity of heart, secured through regeneration (John 3:3) and maintained in abiding fellowship (John 15:4). Physical Distance in Parabolic Teaching (Luke 14:32) In the parable of the king deliberating war, Jesus says, “While the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” Physical remoteness accentuates urgency; the window for prudent negotiation closes as the armies draw nearer. The parable urges listeners to settle accounts with God before the Day of Judgment. Theologically, the spatial metaphor depicts the sinner’s opportunity while God’s long-suffering patience still holds (2 Peter 3:9). Geographical Separation and Resurrection Revelation (Luke 24:28) On the Emmaus road, Jesus “acted as though He were going farther.” The risen Lord’s apparent intention tests the disciples’ hospitality and longing. Their invitation—“Stay with us”—results in the breaking of bread and the opening of their eyes. The narrative illustrates that intimacy with Christ is offered but not forced; He will “draw near” (Luke 24:15) yet awaits the disciple’s plea for deeper fellowship (Revelation 3:20). Thematic Connections within Scripture • Nearness versus distance recurs throughout redemptive history. Under the Law, only the high priest approached the Holy of Holies “once a year” (Hebrews 9:7), but in the Gospel believers “draw near with a sincere heart” (Hebrews 10:22). Historical and Cultural Background In Hellenistic usage the term could denote an extensive journey or the remoteness of a distant province. Luke’s travel narratives resonate with Greco-Roman readers accustomed to road imagery and hospitality codes. Jewish audiences, steeped in temple geography, heard “far” as exclusion from sacred space. Jesus employs the same word both literally (travel) and figuratively (worship), bridging cultural understandings of distance to illuminate the gospel. Ministry Significance 1. Worship Leadership: Ensures that liturgy promotes heart engagement, not mere verbal assent (Matthew 15:8). Summary Whether exposing hollow religion, illustrating urgent reconciliation, or inviting deeper fellowship, the New Testament’s use of this word portrays distance overcome by divine grace. What is spatial or relational in the human realm becomes, in Christ, an opportunity for God to draw near, bringing those once far away into the joy of His presence. Forms and Transliterations πορρω πόρρω πορρωτερον πορρώτερον πορρωτέρω porro porrō pórro pórrō porroteron porrōteron porrṓteronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 15:8 AdvGRK: καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ' NAS: BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY KJV: heart is far from me. INT: heart of them far is away from Mark 7:6 Adv Luke 14:32 Adv Luke 24:28 Adv-C Strong's Greek 4206 |
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