μακρόθεν (makrothen)
makrothen
from afar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb makrothen means "from a distance" or "far away." It appears fourteen times in the New Testament, with significant usage in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in Revelation. The word describes physical separation between people or places, often highlighting the perspective of those observing events from afar rather than being part of the immediate circle.
Its root lies in makros, meaning "long" or "far," giving it a sense of spatial extension. In Mark 5:6, the demon-possessed man cries out and comes to Jesus from a distance, emphasizing his isolation before healing. Similarly, in Luke 23:49, the women stand at a distance watching the crucifixion, capturing their grief and hesitation. These instances show how the word frames relationships and proximity in narrative moments.
Translators typically render makrothen as "from afar" or "far off," preserving its literal sense of spatial separation. It does not carry metaphorical weight like some other Greek terms but serves to ground scenes in physical reality. Its use in Revelation 18:10 and 15 further illustrates how distance can signify both observation and emotional detachment during times of judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word makrothen simply means 'from a distance.' In the New Testament, it often describes physical separation, but it also reveals something about our spiritual posture. Sometimes we are far from God because of fear or shame, like Peter hiding in the courtyard or the tax collector standing apart. Other times, we watch events unfold with grief, unable to step closer yet.
This word reminds us that proximity matters. Jesus met the demon-possessed man who ran to Him from afar. He saw the women watching from a distance at the cross. God is not distant from those who seek Him, even when they feel separated by sin or circumstance. You do not need to be perfect to approach Him; you only need to turn toward Him.
Whether you are observing from the sidelines or feeling isolated in your struggles, this term grounds us in reality. It acknowledges the space between us and others, but it also points to a God who draws near. We can bring our honest distance to Him, knowing He meets us where we are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- afar7×
- afar off5×
- afar off.1×
- a distance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μακρόθεν13×
- μακρόθεν.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:6
When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him,
This verse shows the demon-possessed man actively running to Jesus from afar, demonstrating that physical distance does not prevent immediate spiritual encounter.
-
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
The tax collector stands far away in humility, using physical distance to express his recognition of unworthiness before God.
-
Luke 23:49
All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.
The women stand at a distance during the crucifixion, capturing their grief and hesitation while still bearing witness to Jesus' death.