μακράν (makran)
makran
far
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb makran means "far" or "a long way off," describing physical distance in concrete terms. It appears in the New Testament to depict characters standing at a significant remove from others, such as when Jesus heals the centurion’s servant from afar (Luke 7:6) or when the disciples are still distant from the shore after the resurrection (John 21:8). In these instances, the word anchors the narrative in a specific spatial reality.
Beyond literal geography, makran carries metaphorical weight to describe spiritual or relational separation. Paul uses it to contrast the Gentiles’ former state of alienation from God with their new closeness through Christ (Ephesians 2:13). Similarly, Jesus acknowledges the scribe’s insight as being "not far" from the kingdom (Mark 12:34), using distance as a measure of proximity to divine truth rather than mere miles.
Etymologically, makran derives from the feminine accusative singular of makros, meaning "long." This root connects it to concepts of length and extent. Translators typically render it simply as "far," preserving the stark simplicity of the original Greek. The word serves as a linguistic marker for both physical separation and the bridge that faith can build across that gap.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word makran describes a distance that is significant enough to require effort or mediation to cross. In the Gospels, it often marks physical space—like the disciples in the boat or the prodigal son still on the road—but it also maps the human condition of separation from God. We may feel distant from divine presence, yet Scripture assures us this gap is not permanent.
Paul reminds believers that through Christ, those who were once far off have been brought near. This shift changes everything about our relationship with the Creator. It is no longer a journey of endless striving but a settled reality of grace. The distance remains only in memory, replaced by intimate access through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Even when we feel spiritually remote, God’s promise stands firm: He is not far from each one of us. This truth invites us to rest in His nearness rather than panic over our perceived distance. It offers hope that no matter how far we have wandered, the path back is open and covered by grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- far5×
- far off3×
- long1×
- far away1×
- a distance,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μακρὰν10×
- μακράν,1×
Key Verses
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Luke 15:20
“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.
This verse uses the word to show that physical distance did not stop the father’s compassion, illustrating that God sees us even when we are still approaching Him.
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Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.
Here makran contrasts our former alienation from God with our current closeness in Christ, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.
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Acts 17:27
that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Paul uses this term to reassure Gentile seekers that God is accessible and near, countering the idea that the divine is distant or unreachable.
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Mark 12:34
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any question after that.
Jesus applies the concept metaphorically to show that understanding God’s will brings a person into close proximity with His Kingdom.