Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Concept:Nearness, in a biblical context, refers to the proximity or closeness of God to His people, as well as the relational closeness between individuals and God. It encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, highlighting the accessibility and intimacy of God's presence in the lives of believers.
Old Testament References:The concept of nearness is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where God's presence is often depicted as being close to His chosen people, Israel. In
Deuteronomy 4:7, Moses declares, "For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him?" . This verse underscores the unique relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing His readiness to be near and attentive to their prayers.
The Psalms frequently express the nearness of God as a source of comfort and strength.
Psalm 34:18 states, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" . Here, nearness is associated with God's compassion and deliverance, offering hope to those in distress.
New Testament References:In the New Testament, the nearness of God is further revealed through the person of Jesus Christ. The incarnation is the ultimate expression of God's desire to be near His creation.
John 1:14 affirms, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" , signifying God's intimate involvement in human affairs.
The apostle Paul speaks of nearness in terms of salvation and reconciliation. In
Ephesians 2:13, he writes, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ" . This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which bridges the gap between humanity and God, allowing believers to experience His nearness.
Theological Implications:The nearness of God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting His immanence and personal involvement in the world. It assures believers of His constant presence and guidance, as seen in
James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" . This reciprocal relationship invites individuals to seek God actively, promising that He will respond with closeness and fellowship.
Practical Applications:Believers are encouraged to cultivate a sense of God's nearness through prayer, worship, and meditation on Scripture. The awareness of His presence can provide comfort in times of trouble, guidance in decision-making, and a deeper sense of peace and joy. Practicing spiritual disciplines and engaging in community worship are ways to experience and celebrate the nearness of God.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of nearness emphasizes God's desire to be close to His people, offering them His presence, comfort, and guidance. Through the life and work of Jesus Christ, believers are invited into a personal and intimate relationship with God, experiencing His nearness in every aspect of their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The state or quality of being near; -- used in the various senses of the adjective.
Greek
3041. limne -- a lake... lake. Probably from limen (through the idea of
nearness of shore); a pond (large
or small) -- lake. see GREEK limen. (limne) -- 2 Occurrences.
...4314. pros -- advantageous for, at (denotes local proximity)...
... In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely,
motion towards, accession to, ornearness at. see GREEK pro....
Strong's Hebrew
7132. qirbah -- an approach... 7131, 7132. qirbah. 7133 . an approach. Transliteration: qirbah Phonetic
Spelling: (ker-aw-baw') Short Definition:
nearness. Word
...854. eth -- with (denoting proximity)
... Probably from 'anah; properly,nearness (used only as a preposition or an
adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc....
Library
Nearness to God the Key to Life's Puzzle
... VOLUME II: PSALMS LI to CXLVNEARNESS TO GOD THE KEY TO LIFE'S PUZZLE.... I. So here
we have, first the truth of experience thatnearness to God is the one good....
TheNearness of the Kingdom
... ECKHART'S SERMONS II THENEARNESS OF THE KINGDOM. THENEARNESS OF THE KINGDOM
St Luke 21:31.""Know that the Kingdom of God is near."....
The Emperor Consulting an Oracle, the Demon Gives no Response...
... Book III. Chapter XVIII."The Emperor consulting an Oracle, the Demon gives no
Response, being awed by theNearness of Babylas the Martyr....
Christ the Son of Man.
... it? In the person of Jesus, God perfected the divine purpose of bringing
Himself into a realizednearness to the human family. He...
The Water-Springs
... "Thirdly, and this was the greatest and most perfectnearness, when on the... And yet
they are far from the perfectnearness which the heart of Christ desires....
Twenty-Third Day for the Holy Spirit in Your Own Work
... Thenearness of God gives rest and power in prayer. Thenearness of God
is given to him who makes it his first object. "Draw nigh...
Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
... And we come near to Him when day by day we realise Hisnearness to us, when our
thoughts are often occupied with Him, bring His peace and Himself to bear as a...
Of the Question Whether There is any Contradiction Between Matthew...
... in expressing it. John, on the other hand, has mentioned in three several
places thenearness of this same feast-day. In the two...
Our Requests Made Known unto God
... statement, ". . . The Lord is at hand," we are fully aware of Hisnearness
when we make our requests known unto Him. Jesus confirmed...
Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
... The principle still holds good: holiness is measured bynearness to God; the more
of His Presence, the more of true holiness; perfect indwelling will be...
Thesaurus
Nearness (2 Occurrences)... (n.) The state or quality of being near; -- used in the various senses of the
adjective. Multi-Version Concordance
Nearness (2 Occurrences).
...Nearly (13 Occurrences)
Hand (14438 Occurrences)
... Scriptures. In Hebrew and Greek there is no reference to the word "hand,"
but words designatingnearness of time or place are used....
Vicinity (18 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The quality or state of being near, or not remote;nearness; propinquity;
proximity; as, the value of the estate was increased by the vicinity of two...
Kinsman (29 Occurrences)
... suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship
of varying degrees ofnearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3...
Kinswoman (4 Occurrences)
... suggenes, "of same race" (compare suggebeia, "kindred"), used of blood relationship
of varying degrees ofnearness (Luke 14:12 John 18:26 Acts 10:24 Romans 9:3...
Kenosis
... been possible. Somewhat different are the references to thenearness of
the Parousia (especially Matthew 10:23; Matthew 24:29). But...
Nearsighted (1 Occurrence)
Nigh (243 Occurrences)
... 22:11 John 3:23, etc.), time (Jeremiah 48:16 Ezekiel 7:7; Ezekiel 30:3 Mark 13:28),
or kinship (Leviticus 21:2 Ruth 3:12), but also employed of moralnearness....
Near (3455 Occurrences)
... 22:11 John 3:23, etc.), time (Jeremiah 48:16 Ezekiel 7:7; Ezekiel 30:3 Mark 13:28),
or kinship (Leviticus 21:2 Ruth 3:12), but also employed of moralnearness....
Resources
What is a spiritual breakthrough? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Teresa of Avila? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mary of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgNearness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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