נָגַשׁ (na.gash)
na.gash
to approach: approach
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 107 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nagash describes the physical act of drawing near or approaching someone or something. It appears frequently in Genesis, where characters move closer to one another, such as when Jacob approaches his brother Esau (Genesis 33:3) or when Joseph’s brothers come before him (Genesis 44:18). The word captures a deliberate movement into proximity, whether for conversation, confrontation, or connection.
Its range of meaning extends beyond simple physical distance. In some contexts, it serves as a euphemism for sexual intimacy, indicating a close union between partners. It also carries religious weight, describing people coming near to God in worship or offering sacrifices. The sources note that it can even describe enemies advancing to attack, highlighting that proximity itself is neutral; the intent behind the approach determines its moral character.
A notable feature of nagash is its versatility across different grammatical forms. While the basic form means to draw near, the Hiphil stem means to cause someone else to approach or bring something near. This flexibility allows the text to describe both personal initiative and external invitation. Translators usually render it as "approach," "come near," or "draw near," preserving the sense of moving from a distance into a significant relationship or encounter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nagash describes more than just closing a physical gap. It captures the deliberate act of stepping into proximity with another person or with God. In Scripture, this movement often signals a shift from distance to relationship, whether it is Jacob approaching Esau in fear or Moses entering the thick darkness where God dwells.
For your daily life, this reminds us that connection requires intention. We do not wait for others to come to us; we take the step. When you approach a difficult conversation with humility, or when you draw near to God in prayer, you are enacting nagash. The act itself is neutral, but your heart’s intent gives it meaning.
Whether you seek reconciliation with a family member or simply wish to spend quiet time in worship, remember that the distance is not permanent. You can choose to come near. This simple movement opens the door for blessing, understanding, and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 107 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he drew near17×
- and/ they approached8×
- draw near7×
- and/ they drew near5×
- he will draw near4×
- bring near/ !4×
- bring near4×
- when/ draw near/ they3×
- they drew near3×
- draw near/ !3×
- and/ they brought near3×
- and/ he brought near3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּגַּ֨שׁ4×
- וַ/יִּגַּשׁ֙3×
- וַ/יִּגַּ֥שׁ3×
- וַ/יִּגְּשׁ֨וּ3×
- גְּשָׁ/ה\־3×
- יִגַּ֥שׁ2×
- יִגַּ֖שׁ2×
- וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁוּ֙2×
- וַ/יִּגַּ֤שׁ2×
- וַ/יִּגַּ֣שׁ2×
- וַ/יִּגַּ֞שׁ2×
- הַגִּ֖ישָׁ/ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 33:3
He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Jacob’s approach here is an act of humble reconciliation, showing that coming near can heal broken relationships.
-
Exodus 20:21
The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was.
Moses alone comes near the darkness, illustrating how this word marks a unique access to God’s presence.
-
Genesis 45:4
Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” They came near. He said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
Joseph invites his brothers to come near, using proximity to reveal identity and offer forgiveness.
-
Exodus 24:2
Moses alone shall come near to Yahweh, but they shall not come near. The people shall not go up with him.”
This verse distinguishes between those who may approach God generally and Moses, who has exclusive access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word nagash mean?
Is nagash only about physical distance?
How is nagash different from other words for 'come'?
Every Occurrence (107 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 16 verses
Abraham came near, and said, “Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?
Genesis 19:9They said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one fellow came in to live as a foreigner, and he appoints himself a…
Genesis 27:21Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.”
Genesis 27:22Jacob went near to Isaac his father. He felt him, and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of…
Genesis 27:25He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless you.” He brought it near to…
Genesis 27:26His father Isaac said to him, “Come near now, and kiss me, my son.”
Genesis 27:27He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my…
Genesis 29:10When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob…
Genesis 33:3He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Genesis 33:6Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.
Genesis 33:7Leah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed…
Genesis 43:19They came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house,
Genesis 44:18Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t…
Genesis 45:4Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” They came near. He said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you…
Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed…
Genesis 48:13Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward…