Lexical Summary qirbah: Nearness, proximity, inward part Original Word: קְרָבָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance approaching, draw near From qarab; approach -- approaching, draw near. see HEBREW qarab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qarab Definition an approach NASB Translation nearness (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קִרְבָה] LagBn 82 Kö1.174] noun feminine approach — construct In phr קִרְבַת אֱלֹהִים approach to God (CheIntr. Is. 325) Isaiah 58:2; Psalm 73:28. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope קְרָבָה (qerabah) expresses the idea of “closeness,” “nearness,” or “approach.” In Scripture it is used not merely of spatial proximity but of relational intimacy—a life lived in conscious fellowship with God. Occurrences and Context 1. Psalm 73:28: “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.” In both settings the noun stands at the climax of a contrast: the emptiness of worldly alliances or outward religiosity versus the incomparable blessing of authentic communion with the Lord. Theology of Divine Nearness • Covenant Relationship: Nearness is not earned; it is granted within the covenant God establishes with His people (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 4:7). Practical Applications • Worship: Corporate gatherings should cultivate awareness of God’s immediate presence (Matthew 18:20). Related Concepts and Cross-References Draw Near (Hebrew qārav): Exodus 3:5; James 4:8 Presence (Hebrew pānîm): Psalm 16:11 Abiding (Greek menō): John 15:4-5 Access (Greek prosagōgē): Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12 Historical Usage Second Temple literature adopted the theme of divine nearness to frame hopes for messianic visitation (e.g., Psalms of Solomon 18). Rabbinic prayers continued to plead for God’s closeness, but the veil of the temple still symbolized restricted access until torn at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). Christological and New Covenant Fulfillment Jesus embodies קְרָבָה: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Through His atoning death and resurrection He brings believers “near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13), removing the barriers hinted at in the Old Testament and delivering the substance to which qerabah pointed. Implications for Worship and Spiritual Formation Discipleship thrives where believers practice habits that enhance awareness of God’s nearness—Scripture meditation, self-examination, fellowship, and sacramental participation. Conversely, neglect of justice and compassion diminishes experiential closeness, as Isaiah warns. Summary קְרָבָה encapsulates the supreme good of life with God at the center. Scripture presents nearness not as a mere feeling but as a covenant reality that transforms worship, ethics, and mission. Fulfilled in Christ, it calls every generation to “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Forms and Transliterations קִֽרֲבַ֥ת קִרְבַ֥ת קרבת kiraVat kirVat qi·ră·ḇaṯ qir·ḇaṯ qirăḇaṯ qirḇaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 73:28 HEB: וַאֲנִ֤י ׀ קִֽרֲבַ֥ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים לִ֫י־ NAS: But as for me, the nearness of God KJV: [it is] good for me to draw near to God: INT: But the nearness of God is my good Isaiah 58:2 2 Occurrences |
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