πόρρω (porrō)
porrō
far (away)
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb porro means "far" or "at a distance," describing physical space that is considerable rather than immediate. In the New Testament, it appears in only four verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels. It serves as a straightforward descriptor of location, indicating that an object or person is not near but situated some way off.
Its usage is concrete and spatial. For instance, Jesus cites it when quoting Isaiah to describe people who honor God with their lips while their hearts remain far from Him (Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6). Similarly, in Luke’s Gospel, a man traveling to a distant village uses the term to indicate he is still far away from his destination (Luke 14:32), and later, two disciples note that the village they are heading toward is still at a distance (Luke 24:28).
The word derives from the same root as the preposition apo ("from"), reinforcing the idea of separation or remoteness. While it can metaphorically suggest spiritual distance in the Isaiah quotation, its primary function in these texts is to establish physical setting. Translators consistently render it as "far" or "far off," preserving the simple sense of remoteness without adding complex theological nuance beyond what the context provides.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word porrō simply means "far" or "at a distance." It describes physical space that is considerable rather than immediate. In the New Testament, it appears in only four verses, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels. Its usage is concrete and spatial, indicating that an object or person is not near but situated some way off.
Jesus uses this term when quoting Isaiah to describe people who honor God with their lips while their hearts remain far from Him (Matthew 15:8). This highlights a spiritual reality where outward actions do not match inner devotion. Similarly, in Luke’s Gospel, travelers use the word to indicate they are still far away from their destination (Luke 14:32), grounding the narrative in real-world geography.
Understanding this word helps us see how Scripture values both physical presence and spiritual proximity. It reminds us that true closeness to God involves more than ritual or routine. We are invited to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our worship is genuine and our relationship with Him is not distant but intimate and real.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- far away2×
- farther1×
- far off1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πόρρω3×
- πορρώτερον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 15:8
‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
This verse captures the core spiritual warning where physical proximity to God contrasts with a heart that remains far from Him.
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Mark 7:6
He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Here Jesus quotes Isaiah to expose hypocrisy, showing that outward honors are empty if the heart stays far away.
-
Luke 14:32
Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy and asks for conditions of peace.
The term describes a literal distance in a parable about peace negotiations, emphasizing the practical need to assess one's position before acting.