The concept of "nearby" in the Bible often conveys both physical proximity and spiritual closeness. Throughout Scripture, the idea of being "near" is used to describe relationships between individuals, between God and His people, and even between nations.

Physical Proximity

In the Old Testament, the term "nearby" is frequently used to describe geographical closeness. For example, in the context of cities of refuge, Deuteronomy 19:3 instructs the Israelites to "measure the distances and divide into three parts the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that anyone who kills a person may flee to these cities." The cities were to be nearby, ensuring that those seeking refuge could reach them quickly.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the concept of physical proximity is evident in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:33, it is written, "But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion." The Samaritan was nearby and able to assist the injured man, demonstrating the importance of being present and available to help others.

Spiritual Closeness

Beyond physical proximity, "nearby" also signifies spiritual closeness to God. In the Psalms, David often speaks of God's nearness as a source of comfort and strength. Psalm 145:18 states, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth." This verse emphasizes that God is spiritually nearby to those who seek Him sincerely.

The New Testament further develops this theme. In James 4:8, believers are encouraged to "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of spiritual closeness, where human initiative to approach God is met with His promise of nearness.

Relational Proximity

The Bible also uses the concept of "nearby" to describe relational proximity among people. In the context of community and fellowship, Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Here, the physical act of gathering together is linked to spiritual encouragement and growth.

Nations and Prophecy

In prophetic literature, "nearby" can refer to the proximity of nations in terms of time and judgment. For instance, in Isaiah 13:6, the prophet declares, "Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty." The nearness of the day of the Lord serves as a warning for repentance and preparation.

Conclusion

The concept of "nearby" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical, spiritual, and relational dimensions. Whether describing the closeness of God to His people, the importance of community, or the urgency of prophetic warnings, the idea of being "near" serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's creation and His desire for intimacy with humanity.4139. plesion -- near, neighboring
... near, neighboring. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: plesion Phonetic Spelling:
(play-see'-on) Short Definition: near, nearby, a neighbor Definition: near ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4139.htm - 6k

1563. ekei -- there, by ext. to there
... to there NASB Word Usage bystanders* (1), case (1), city (1), nearby (1), over there
(1), place (2), place there (4), there (84). there, to yonder place. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1563.htm - 6k

3936. paristemi -- to place beside, to present, stand by, appear
... presented (4), presenting (1), prove (1), provide (1), put at...disposal (1), stand
before (2), standing (1), standing beside (1), standing nearby (2), stands ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3936.htm - 9k

1451. eggus -- near (in place or time)
... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition near (in place or time) NASB Word
Usage close (1), near (27), nearby (1), nearer (1), ready (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1451.htm - 6k

2192. echo -- to have, hold
... holds (2), ill* (5), incurring (1), involves (1), keep (3), keeping (3), kept (1),
maintain (1), maintained (1), maintaining (1), meets (1), nearby (1), next (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2192.htm - 11k

7138. qarob -- near
... near NASB Word Usage about (1), close (2), close relative (1), closer (1), draws
near (1), hand (1), kinsmen (1), lately (1), near (47), nearby (1), nearest (6 ...
/hebrew/7138.htm - 6k

2008. hennah -- hither
... Word Origin perhaps from hen Definition hither NASB Word Usage back and forth (1),
direction (1), here (22), here and there (3), here* (2), nearby (1), now (5 ...
/hebrew/2008.htm - 6k

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... XV. PERSONAL NOTES: RELICS NEARBY THAT THE THREE KINGS HAD GIVEN TO THE
HOLY FAMILY. Soon after this expression of surprise that ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

Practical Effects of Practical Truth
... the joyous song of a lark captivated him; at another, the capering of some colts,
or a sleek herd of cattle quietly grazing in a nearby pasture attracted his ...
/.../chapter ix practical effects of.htm

The Right to the Ordinary Safeguards of Good Health
... Daughter, you run to the neighbors and borrow some. Don't go to any of these
folk nearby. They are all poor and probably wouldn't have any. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 3 the right to.htm

The Power of God's Word to Convict Men of Sin.
... After continuing for more than a year in this miserable condition the priest one
day heard that a "foreign devil" was visiting a town nearby and selling books ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/i the power of gods.htm

I, Patrick, a Sinner, a Most Simple Countryman...
... had for father the deacon Calpurnius, son of the late Potitus, a priest, of the
settlement [vicus] of Bannavem Taburniae; he had a small villa nearby where I ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 1 i patrick a.htm

A Hint from a Caribou
... day a man was out in a stumpy pasture-field beside a woods in Canada, and he saw
a mother caribou and her little calf feeding quietly down in a valley nearby. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a hint from a caribou.htm

The Terror by Night
... All was silence again, and the boy stood listening and trembling. Then from
the top of a nearby hill he heard a dog howl with pain. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the terror by night.htm

Tarry Ye --Go Ye.
... receive power," the Master is saying, "and ye shall be My witnesses here in Jerusalem
and in all Judea, your brothers, and in Samaria, the nearby people you don ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/tarry yego ye.htm

My Mission-Field.
... plan. The world was given us originally to subdue, and now to win. This
does not mean to neglect anything or anybody nearby. It's ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/my mission-field.htm

Isaiah.
... be interpreted in the light,. (1) of a nearby or local fulfillment, such
as of the dispersion and restoration, and. (2) of a far off ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xv isaiah.htm

Nearby (14 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nearby (14 Occurrences). Mark 1:38 And he said
to them, Let us go to other parts into the nearest towns ...
/n/nearby.htm - 10k

Near (3455 Occurrences)

/n/near.htm - 9k

Neared (1 Occurrence)

/n/neared.htm - 6k

Garden (68 Occurrences)
... The writer has seen a group of young Arab boys modeling a garden out of mud and
conducting water to irrigate it by channels from a nearby canal, in a manner ...
/g/garden.htm - 38k

Exorcism
... the nostrils. The proof that exorcism had actually taken place was given
in the overturning of a basin placed nearby. The absurdities ...
/e/exorcism.htm - 14k

Prophets (270 Occurrences)
... Under these conditions he then regards it as absolute compulsion to speak, just
as a person must be filled with fear when he hears a lion roar nearby (Amos 3:8 ...
/p/prophets.htm - 69k

Sheaves (13 Occurrences)
... an impressive sight to see the huge stacks of sheaves piled about the threshing-
floors, the piles often covering an area greater than the nearby villages (see ...
/s/sheaves.htm - 12k

Sheaf (11 Occurrences)
... an impressive sight to see the huge stacks of sheaves piled about the threshing-
floors, the piles often covering an area greater than the nearby villages (see ...
/s/sheaf.htm - 12k

Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... the nostrils. The proof that exorcism had actually taken place was given
in the overturning of a basin placed nearby. The absurdities ...
/e/exorcist.htm - 15k

Siddim (3 Occurrences)
... while there are many indications of such fertility in the ruins that have been
described by travelers about the mouth of the Kerak and other localities nearby. ...
/s/siddim.htm - 14k

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