Strong's g1448

Pronunciation Guide: eng-id’-zo (with a soft ‘g’ as in “engage”)

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἐγγίζω

Transliteration: engizō Part of Speech: verb First Appears: Matthew 3:2 Appears: 42 times

Strong’s Entry

g1448

Gloss: eggizo (eng-id’-zo) v.1. to make near2. (reflexively) approach[from G1451]KJV: approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh Root(s): G1451 

Strong’s G1448: ἐγγίζω (engizō) describes the act of drawing near, approaching, or coming close in either a physical or temporal sense. It carries the powerful connotation of proximity and imminence, often used to express something that is about to happen or a spatial coming near. In Scripture, it frequently carries theological weight when referring to one’s approach to God or the nearness of divine events.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Root: ἐγγύς (engys) – meaning “near” or “close”
• Language origin: Koine Greek
• Primary usage: Narrative sections, teaching passages, and prophetic announcements
• Voice/Mood variations: Appears in active, middle, and passive voices across indicative, imperative, and participle forms
• Tense variations: Present, future, aorist, perfect

ἐγγίζω Morphology:

• ἐγγίζω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I draw near
• ἐγγίζεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you draw near
• ἐγγίζει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it draws near
• ἐγγίζομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we draw near
• ἐγγίζετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you all draw near
• ἐγγίζουσι(ν) (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they draw near
• ἤγγισα (aorist active indicative, 1st person singular) – I drew near
• ἤγγικα (perfect active indicative, 1st person singular) – I have drawn near
• ἐγγίσατε (aorist active imperative, 2nd person plural) – draw near! (command to multiple people)
• ἐγγίζων (present active participle, masculine nominative singular) – drawing near

Origin & History

The verb ἐγγίζω derives from the adverb ἐγγύς (engys), meaning “near” or “close by.” In classical Greek literature, the term was primarily used to denote physical proximity. Xenophon employs it in his “Anabasis” to describe troops approaching cities or geographical locations. Thucydides uses it to convey armies drawing near to each other before battle. The term maintained its spatial significance but began developing more nuanced meanings over time.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἐγγίζω took on deeper theological significance. It appears in passages like Psalm 33:19 (34:18 in Hebrew numbering): “ἐγγὺς κύριος τοῖς συντετριμμένοις τὴν καρδίαν” – “Yahweh is near to the brokenhearted.” This introduced the concept of divine proximity to human experience. The term also gained prominence in prophetic literature to announce the approach of divine judgment or blessing, as seen in Isaiah and other prophetic books. By the time of the New Testament’s composition, ἐγγίζω had acquired a rich theological heritage expressing both spatial nearness and the anticipated arrival of eschatological events.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To come near or approach physically – moving closer in spatial proximity
• To be imminent or at hand – referring to something that is about to happen
• To draw near in a spiritual sense – approaching God or divine reality
• To be closely related or associated – indicating relational proximity
• To advance toward a goal or destination – implying purposeful movement

ἐγγίζω Translation Options:

• “To draw near” – captures the movement toward someone or something with intention
• “To approach” – emphasizes the directional aspect while remaining somewhat formal
• “To come close” – communicates proximity with a slightly more intimate connotation
• “To be at hand” – best for temporal usage indicating imminence, especially in eschatological contexts
• “To approach closely” – emphasizes the degree of nearness being achieved

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἐγγίζω in the New Testament occurs in Matthew 3:2, where John the Baptist proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near (ἤγγικεν).” This perfect tense usage indicates an action completed with ongoing results—the kingdom has drawn near and remains near. This eschatological usage becomes a cornerstone of Jesus’ own preaching, as seen in Matthew 4:17 where He uses identical language.

Throughout the Gospels, ἐγγίζω frequently describes Jesus’ physical approach to Jerusalem, which carries theological overtones of His movement toward His sacrificial destiny. Luke particularly favors this term, using it to describe both spatial proximity and the approaching reality of God’s redemptive action. In the Epistles, James employs ἐγγίζω in James 4:8 to urge believers to “draw near (ἐγγίσατε) to God,” promising that “He will draw near to you,” revealing the term’s deeply relational and covenantal dimensions.

• “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near [ἤγγικεν].” Matthew 3:2
• “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near [ἤγγικεν].'” Matthew 4:17
• “When they had approached [ἤγγισαν] Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage…” Matthew 21:1
• “The hour has come near [ἤγγικεν]; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.” Mark 14:41
• “Draw near [ἐγγίσατε] to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
• “But now in the Messiah Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near [ἐγγὺς ἐγενήθητε] by the blood of Messiah.” Ephesians 2:13
• “The end of all things has drawn near [ἤγγικεν]; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish worship practice, the concept of “drawing near” (קָרַב – qarav in Hebrew, often translated as ἐγγίζω in the Septuagint) was deeply connected to temple worship. When an Israelite brought a sacrifice, they were said to be “drawing near” to God through the sacrificial system. This language appears throughout Leviticus for approaching the altar with offerings. By the first century, with the physical temple still standing in Jerusalem, Jesus’ proclamation that the kingdom had “drawn near” would have evoked powerful imagery of God’s presence becoming accessible in a new and transformative way.

The concept of divine proximity was particularly significant given the strict separation between holy and common spaces in Jewish thought. The Jerusalem Temple was designed with increasing levels of holiness as one approached the Holy of Holies, with barriers preventing unauthorized access. Only the High Priest could “draw near” to the innermost sanctuary, and only once a year on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). When the New Testament speaks of believers “drawing near” to God with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-22), it represents a revolutionary reconstruction of worship access, with the Messiah’s sacrifice enabling direct approach to God’s presence—a privilege previously unimaginable in Jewish religious experience.

Theological Significance

The verb ἐγγίζω stands at the heart of New Testament eschatology, particularly in Jesus’ proclamation that the kingdom of God has “drawn near.” This proximity language indicates that God’s rule is breaking into human history in a new and decisive way through the Messiah’s ministry. Unlike apocalyptic expectations that focused exclusively on future events, Jesus’ usage suggests the kingdom’s presence is already being realized while still awaiting full consummation—what scholars call “inaugurated eschatology.” This tension between “already” and “not yet” characterizes much of New Testament theology.

Moreover, ἐγγίζω carries profound implications for understanding God’s character. That Yahweh would “draw near” to fallen humanity reveals His compassionate desire for relationship. While many ancient religions portrayed deities as distant and unapproachable, the biblical God initiates proximity. This relational nearness reaches its zenith in the incarnation, where God literally “draws near” by taking human form in the person of Jesus. The incarnation demonstrates that God is not content with distant holiness but desires intimate communion with His creation. Through the Messiah’s work, the barriers that prevented humanity’s approach to God are removed, allowing believers to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

Personal Application

The biblical call to “draw near” to God invites us into a journey of intentional spiritual intimacy. Just as physical proximity allows for deeper connection in human relationships, spiritual proximity to God transforms our character and perspective. This isn’t merely about emotional experience but about aligning our will with God’s through regular prayer, Scripture meditation, and obedient living. When we feel distant from God, the imperative form of ἐγγίζω reminds us that drawing near is an active choice we can make, with the assurance that God reciprocally draws near to us.

In our fast-paced world of superficial connections, the concept of “drawing near” challenges us to prioritize depth over breadth in our relationships—especially with Yahweh. The perfect tense used in proclamations that the kingdom has “drawn near” reminds us that God’s rule is accessible now, not merely in some distant future. Each day presents opportunities to experience and extend His kingdom by drawing near to Him and inviting others into that same proximity. As we cultivate this nearness, we become more effective ambassadors of His presence in a world desperately seeking meaningful connection.

Related Words

• πλησιάζω (plēsiazō) – to come near, approach; carries similar meaning but emphasizes arrival at close quarters rather than the process of approaching. From πλησίον (plēsion, “neighbor”). See G4331
• προσέρχομαι (proserchomai) – to come toward, approach; more specifically refers to coming directly to someone, often with a request or purpose. Contains the idea of face-to-face encounter. See G4334
• παρουσία (parousia) – arrival, presence; focuses on the actual arrival rather than the approach, often used for Christ’s second coming. See G3952
• ἐφίστημι (ephistēmi) – to stand upon, appear suddenly; emphasizes sudden arrival rather than gradual approach. See G2186
• ἅπτομαι (haptomai) – to touch, take hold of; represents the culmination of drawing near, where physical contact is made. See G680

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the Jewish concept of “drawing near” (קָרַב – qarav) to God through sacrifices is the etymological root of the word “korban” (קָרְבָּן), the term for sacrificial offerings in the Temple? When Jesus and the apostles spoke of “drawing near” to God, their Jewish audience would have immediately recognized the sacrificial and worship connotations, understanding that a new means of approaching God was being established outside the temple system.
• Did you know that in ancient Greek medical texts by Hippocrates and Galen, the term ἐγγίζω was sometimes used to describe the approach of symptoms or the progression of disease toward a crisis point? This usage underscores the term’s versatility in expressing not just spatial proximity but also temporal imminence—an aspect that becomes crucial in understanding Jesus’ proclamation about the kingdom’s nearness representing both a present reality and impending fulfillment.
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses the derivative ἐγγύς (engys) to indicate nearness? Road signs throughout Greece use “ΕΓΓΥΣ” to indicate when drivers are approaching destinations. This everyday usage offers a tangible reminder that the kingdom proclamation was meant to be understood as a real, accessible proximity, not merely an abstract theological concept. The kingdom was as real and imminent as the next village on a traveler’s journey.

Remember This

ἐγγίζω reminds us that in the Messiah, the previously unbridgeable distance between holy God and sinful humanity has been spanned, inviting us to draw near to the One who first drew near to us.