ἆσσον (asson)
asson
nearer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb asson means "nearer" or "closer." It is the comparative form of a word meaning "near," used to describe movement toward a specific point in space. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 27:13.
Here, the phrase describes ships sailing "nearer" to the shore as they seek a harbor. This single usage highlights its concrete, physical sense of drawing closer to land or a destination. Translators often render it as "close inshore" or simply "nearer," capturing the gradual approach of the vessels.
Its rarity in Scripture makes this instance notable. It provides a precise spatial detail in the narrative of Paul’s journey to Rome, emphasizing the physical reality of the sailors’ actions. The word itself carries no metaphorical weight beyond proximity, serving as a straightforward marker of distance and direction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἆσσον appears only once in the New Testament, found in Acts 27:13. It describes ships sailing closer to the shore of Crete as the sailors hoped to reach a harbor. This single usage highlights its concrete meaning of physical proximity and movement toward a destination.
In our own lives, we often find ourselves navigating uncertain waters. Like the sailors in this story, we may seek a safe place or a clear direction. The word reminds us that God is present even in the details of our journey, guiding us step by step toward where He intends us to be.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- very near1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἆσσον1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:13
When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.
This verse uses ἆσσον to describe the ships sailing close to shore as they sought a harbor, emphasizing the physical act of drawing nearer to land.