ἐγγύς (engus)
engus
near
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb engus simply means "near," describing something that is close in place or time. In the Gospels, it often marks physical proximity, such as when John the Baptist baptizes near the Jordan (John 3:23) or when Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the Passover (Luke 19:11). It can also function as a preposition with a genitive case to indicate being "near to" a specific location.
Its theological weight emerges in Ephesians, where Paul contrasts those who are "near" with those who are "far off." Here, engus describes the spiritual position of believers who have been brought close to God through Christ, replacing the distance that once separated them (Ephesians 2:13). This usage shifts the word from a mere measurement of space to a statement of relational access.
The term also carries a strong sense of urgency when applied to time. In passages like Matthew 24:33 and Philippians 4:5, it signals that an event is imminent or that the Lord is "at hand." Derived from a root meaning to squeeze or press close, the word conveys not just proximity but an immediate, pressing closeness that demands attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word engus carries a sense of pressing closeness, describing things that are immediately at hand. In the Gospels, it often marks physical proximity, such as when Jesus approaches Jerusalem or when John baptizes near Salim. This tangible nearness reminds us that God’s presence is not distant or abstract but intimately close to our daily lives and locations.
Its theological depth shines in Ephesians 2:13, where Paul describes believers as those once far off who are now made near through Christ’s blood. This shift from distance to access means you do not need to bridge a gap yourself; the connection is already established. It is an invitation to rest in the certainty that you are known and held by God right where you are.
When applied to time, engus signals urgency, such as when Jesus says the Kingdom is near. This is not meant to cause anxiety but to encourage alertness and hope. The closeness of God’s promises invites us to live with purpose, knowing that the future He has prepared is drawing nearer every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- near22×
- Near2×
- near.1×
- near to,1×
- near [is]1×
- [who are] near,1×
- [is] near.1×
- [is] near1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγγὺς20×
- ἐγγύς6×
- ἐγγύς,2×
- ἐγγύς.¶1×
- ἐγγύς.1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.
This verse defines the word's spiritual significance by contrasting believers' former distance with their current nearness to God through Christ.
-
Matthew 24:33
Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.
Here the term signals imminent fulfillment, urging readers to recognize the proximity of the Kingdom when they see specific signs.
-
John 11:18
Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away.
It provides a concrete geographical detail, noting Bethany's short distance from Jerusalem to ground the narrative in real space.
-
Romans 10:8
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart;” that is, the word of faith which we preach:
Paul uses the word metaphorically to describe how the message of faith is accessible within the believer's own heart and mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does engus mean in the New Testament?
How is engus different from other words for near?
Where does engus appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (30 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…
Matthew 24:33Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.
Matthew 26:18He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the…