1448. eggizó
Lexical Summary
eggizó: To draw near, to approach, to come near

Original Word: ἐγγίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eggizó
Pronunciation: eng-GHEE-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (eng-id'-zo)
KJV: approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh
NASB: approached, approaching, hand, near, draw near, come near, comes near
Word Origin: [from G1451 (ἐγγύς - near)]

1. to make near
2. (reflexively) approach

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
approach, be at hand, draw near.

From eggus; to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach -- approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.

see GREEK eggus

HELPS Word-studies

1448 eggízō (from 1451 /eggýs, "near") – properly, has drawn close (come near). 1448 (eggízō) occurs 14 times in the Greek perfect tense (indicative mood) in the NT which expresses "extreme closeness, immediate imminence – even a presence ('It is here') because the moment of this coming happened (i.e. at the beginning of Jesus' ministry)" (J. Schlosser).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from eggus
Definition
to make near, refl. to come near
NASB Translation
approached (10), approaching (7), came (1), came close (1), came near (1), come near (2), comes near (2), coming near (1), draw near (3), drawing near (2), hand (7), near (5).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1448: ἐγγίζω

ἐγγίζω; imperfect ἠγγιζον; Attic future ἐγγιω (James 4:8 (Alexander Buttmann (1873) 37 (32); with § 13, 1 c.)); 1 aorist ἤγγισα; perfect ἤγγικα (ἐγγύς); in Greek writings from Polybius and Diodorus on; the Sept. for נִגַשׁ and קָרַב.

1. transitive, to bring near, to join one thing to another: Polybius 8, 6, 7; the Sept., Genesis 48:10; Isaiah 5:8.

2. intransitive, to draw or come near, to approach; absolutely, Matthew 21:34; Luke 18:40; (); ; Acts 7:17; Acts 21:33; Acts 23:15; (Hebrews 10:25); perfect ἤγγικε, has come nigh, is at hand: βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7; Mark 1:15; Luke 10:11; with the addition ἐφ' ὑμᾶς, Luke 10:9; ἐρήμωσις, Luke 21:20; ὥρα, Matthew 26:45; παραδιδούς με, Matthew 26:46; (Mark 14:42 (where Tdf. ἤγγισεν)); καιρός, Luke 21:8; ἡμέρα, Romans 13:12; τό τέλος, 1 Peter 4:7; παρουσία τοῦ κυρίου, James 5:8. Construed with the dative of the person or the place approached: Luke 7:12; Luke 15:1, 25; Luke 22:47: Acts 9:3; Acts 10:9; Acts 22:6; ἐγγίζειν τῷ Θεῷ (in the Sept. used especially of the priests entering the temple to offer sacrifices or to perform other ministrations there, Exodus 19:22; Exodus 34:30; Leviticus 10:3, etc.): to worship God, Matthew 15:8 Rec., from Isaiah 29:13; to turn one's thoughts to God, to become acquainted with him, Hebrews 7:19; Θεός ἐγγίζει τίνι, God draws near to one in the bestowment of his grace and help, James 4:8. Followed by εἰς and the accusative of the place: Matthew 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 18:35; Luke 19:29; Luke 24:28; (followed by πρός with the dative, Luke 19:37, see Buttmann, § 147, 28; others regard this as a pregnant construction, cf. Winer's Grammar, §§ 48, e.; 66, 2 d.); μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισε, to draw nigh unto, be at the point of, death, Philippians 2:30 (ἐγγίζειν εἰς θάνατον, Job 33:22); with an adverb of place, ὅπου κλέπτης οὐκ ἐγγίζει, Luke 12:33. (Compare: προσεγγίζω.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview of Meaning and Scope

Strong’s Greek 1448 expresses the idea of approach—whether spatial, temporal, or relational. In the New Testament it supplies a refrain that God’s redemptive purposes, climactic judgments, or gracious invitations are never distant but pressing upon the present moment. The word group occurs forty-two times and spans Gospel narrative, apostolic exhortation, and eschatological warning, uniting Scripture’s unfolding account in a call to respond because the decisive reality “has drawn near.”

Old Testament Background

In the Septuagint ἐγγίζω often renders Hebrew qārab, a covenant term for bringing sacrifices (Leviticus 1:14), encroaching armies (Isaiah 8:7), or Yahweh’s coming salvation (Isaiah 56:1). The New Testament writers therefore inherit a vocabulary pregnant with the twin possibilities of blessing and judgment, preparing the reader to hear the kingdom’s nearness as both promise and summons.

Proclamation of the Nearness of the Kingdom

The first New Testament herald to use ἐγγίζω is John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus immediately echoes the same cry (Matthew 4:17) and commissions the Twelve with identical words (Matthew 10:7). Mark summarizes the Lord’s preaching: “The time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Here “drawn near” marks the decisive in-breaking of God’s reign in the person of Christ. The kingdom is not merely future; it stands present in Christ’s words and works, demanding repentance and faith (Luke 10:9, 11). Yet the verb’s perfect tense (“has drawn near”) keeps an eschatological edge—the kingdom is inaugurated but still advancing toward consummation.

Eschatological Nearness: The Day of the Lord

Jesus warns against premature speculations: “See to it that you are not led astray… the time is near” (Luke 21:8). The verb becomes a touchstone for imminence in the apostolic writings:

• “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12).
• “You too be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is near” (James 5:8).
• “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7).

Believers are urged to holy living, mutual love, and alertness precisely because God’s climactic intervention is imminent. The certainty, not the calendar date, governs Christian ethics.

Physical Nearness in Narrative Accounts

Several occurrences record simple approach in space:

• Jesus approaches Jerusalem (Luke 19:29, Mark 11:1).
• The Good Samaritan motif of Jesus: He “came near and touched the bier” (Luke 7:12).
• Disciples “drew near to the village” of Emmaus (Luke 24:28).

Yet even these narrative uses reinforce theological themes: the Messiah drawing near to the city that will reject Him (Luke 19:41) or to suffering humanity (Luke 7:12). Physical approach becomes a living parable of divine compassion or impending judgment.

Relational Nearness to God

James places ἐγγίζω at the heart of practical piety: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). The imperative rests on covenant grace; access to God is open, yet must be pursued with repentance (“Cleanse your hands… purify your hearts”).

Hebrews deepens this privilege. Because the law “made nothing perfect, and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19), believers may “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (implicit in 4:16; verb explicit in 7:19, 10:25). The once-for-all priesthood of Christ secures unbroken nearness for His people.

Priestly and Worship Implications

In Hebrews 10:25 the “Day drawing near” motivates corporate assembly. Gathering is not optional fellowship but priestly responsibility in view of approaching consummation. Likewise, Philippians 2:30 describes Epaphroditus who “nearly died” (literally “drew near to death”) for the work of Christ—a living sacrifice language that echoes Levitical approach to the altar. Christian service is offered in conscious proximity to eternity.

Evangelistic Contrast: Near yet Unreceived

Luke records Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem as He draws near (Luke 19:41), and His warning that if unrepentant towns reject the kingdom message, nevertheless “be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:11). The nearness that saves also condemns when ignored. Acts echoes the tragedy: Stephen tells of the promise to Abraham that “was drawing near to be fulfilled” (Acts 7:17), yet his audience resists. Nearness intensifies accountability.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

1. Urgency in preaching: The kingdom’s nearness frames every gospel proclamation; delay is not neutral.
2. Hope in suffering: Saints under pressure lift their heads “because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
3. Holiness and vigilance: Moral compromise is irrational when “the Judge is standing at the door” (implicit in James 5:9).
4. Worship and prayer: Confidence to draw near rests solely on Christ’s mediation, fostering reverent boldness, not casual familiarity.
5. Mutual exhortation: As the Day approaches, believers spur one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Doctrinal Observations

• Inauguration–Consummation: ἐγγίζω bridges present realization and future fulfillment.
• Covenant Access: The verb interlocks with priestly themes; nearness once guarded is now granted in Christ.
• Imminence without Date-Setting: Scripture maintains tension—nearness motivates readiness without sanctioning speculative timetables.
• Dual Edge of Gospel: Nearness is mercy for the repentant and judgment for the resistant.

Summary

Strong’s 1448 threads through Scripture as a trumpet call: God’s reign, His help, His judgment, and His salvation are not distant. In Christ the kingdom has drawn near; through the Spirit believers draw near to God; and with every passing moment the Day draws nearer still. Therefore repent, believe, persevere, worship, and proclaim—because in every sense that matters, it is already upon us.

Forms and Transliterations
εγγεγλυμμέναι εγγελά εγγιεί ἐγγιεῖ έγγιζε εγγιζει εγγίζει ἐγγίζει εγγιζειν εγγίζειν ἐγγίζειν εγγίζη εγγιζομεν εγγίζομεν ἐγγίζομεν εγγίζοντας εγγιζοντες εγγίζοντες ἐγγίζοντες εγγιζοντι εγγίζοντι ἐγγίζοντι εγγιζοντος εγγίζοντος εγγίζοντός ἐγγίζοντος εγγιζοντων εγγιζόντων ἐγγιζόντων εγγίζουσα εγγιζούσαις εγγιζουσαν εγγίζουσαν ἐγγίζουσαν εγγιζούση εγγιζούσης εγγίζουσι εγγίζουσί εγγιζουσιν εγγίζουσιν ἐγγίζουσιν εγγίζων εγγίκασιν εγγιούσι εγγιούσιν εγγισαι εγγίσαι ἐγγίσαι εγγισαντος εγγίσαντος ἐγγίσαντος εγγισας εγγίσας ἐγγίσας εγγισατε εγγίσατε εγγίσατέ ἐγγίσατε εγγισάτω εγγισάτωσαν εγγισει ἐγγίσει έγγισεν εγγίση εγγίσης εγγίσητε έγγισον έγγισόν εγγίσωμεν εγγίσωσι εγγίσωσί εγγιών εγγλυφήναι έγγραπτον ήγγιζε ΗΓΓΙΖΕΝ ήγγιζεν ἤγγιζεν ηγγίκασιν ήγγικε ηγγικεν ήγγικεν ἤγγικεν ήγγισα ηγγισαν ήγγισαν ήγγισάν ἤγγισαν ήγγισας ηγγίσατε ήγγισε ηγγισεν ήγγισεν ἤγγισεν engiei engieî engiken ēngiken ḗngiken engisai engísai engisan ēngisan ḗngisan engisantos engísantos engisas engísas engisate engísate engisen ēngisen ḗngisen engizei engízei engizein engízein eNGIZEN ĒNGIZEN ḗngizen engizomen engízomen engizontes engízontes engizonti engízonti engizonton engizontōn engizónton engizóntōn engizontos engízontos engizousan engízousan engizousin engízousin
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 3:2 V-RIA-3S
GRK: λέγων Μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικεν γὰρ ἡ
NAS: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
KJV: the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
INT: saying Repent has drawn near indeed the

Matthew 4:17 V-RIA-3S
GRK: λέγειν Μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικεν γὰρ ἡ
NAS: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
KJV: the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
INT: to say Repent has drawn near indeed the

Matthew 10:7 V-RIA-3S
GRK: λέγοντες ὅτι Ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία
NAS: The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
KJV: The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
INT: saying Has drawn near the kingdom

Matthew 21:1 V-AIA-3P
GRK: Καὶ ὅτε ἤγγισαν εἰς Ἰεροσόλυμα
NAS: When they had approached Jerusalem
KJV: when they drew nigh unto
INT: And when they drew near to Jerusalem

Matthew 21:34 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ὅτε δὲ ἤγγισεν ὁ καιρὸς
NAS: time approached, he sent
KJV: of the fruit drew near, he sent
INT: when moreover drew near the season

Matthew 26:45 V-RIA-3S
GRK: ἀναπαύεσθε ἰδοὺ ἤγγικεν ἡ ὥρα
NAS: the hour is at hand and the Son
KJV: the hour is at hand, and
INT: take your rest Behold has drawn near the hour

Matthew 26:46 V-RIA-3S
GRK: ἄγωμεν ἰδοὺ ἤγγικεν ὁ παραδιδούς
NAS: the one who betrays Me is at hand!
KJV: behold, he is at hand that doth betray
INT: let us go behold has drawn near he who is betraying

Mark 1:15 V-RIA-3S
GRK: καιρὸς καὶ ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία
NAS: of God is at hand; repent
KJV: of God is at hand: repent ye,
INT: time and has drawn near the kingdom

Mark 11:1 V-PIA-3P
GRK: Καὶ ὅτε ἐγγίζουσιν εἰς Ἰεροσόλυμα
NAS: As they approached Jerusalem,
KJV: And when they came nigh to Jerusalem,
INT: And when they drew near to Jerusalem

Mark 14:42 V-RIA-3S
GRK: παραδιδούς με ἤγγικεν
NAS: the one who betrays Me is at hand!
KJV: he that betrayeth me is at hand.
INT: is betraying me has drawn near

Luke 7:12 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ὡς δὲ ἤγγισεν τῇ πύλῃ
NAS: Now as He approached the gate
KJV: when he came nigh to the gate
INT: as moreover he drew near to the gate

Luke 10:9 V-RIA-3S
GRK: λέγετε αὐτοῖς Ἤγγικεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς
NAS: of God has come near to you.'
KJV: of God is come nigh unto
INT: say to them Has drawn near to you

Luke 10:11 V-RIA-3S
GRK: γινώσκετε ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία
NAS: of God has come near.'
KJV: of God is come nigh unto
INT: know that has drawn near the kingdom

Luke 12:33 V-PIA-3S
GRK: κλέπτης οὐκ ἐγγίζει οὐδὲ σὴς
NAS: no thief comes near nor moth
KJV: no thief approacheth, neither moth
INT: thief not does draw near nor moth

Luke 15:1 V-PPA-NMP
GRK: δὲ αὐτῷ ἐγγίζοντες πάντες οἱ
NAS: and the sinners were coming near Him to listen
INT: moreover to him drawing near all the

Luke 15:25 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ὡς ἐρχόμενος ἤγγισεν τῇ οἰκίᾳ
NAS: he came and approached the house,
KJV: he came and drew nigh to the house,
INT: as coming [up] he drew near to the house

Luke 18:35 V-PNA
GRK: ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν αὐτὸν εἰς
NAS: As Jesus was approaching Jericho,
KJV: that as he was come nigh unto Jericho,
INT: as drew near he to

Luke 18:40 V-APA-GMS
GRK: πρὸς αὐτόν ἐγγίσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ
NAS: that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned
KJV: when he was come near, he asked
INT: to him having drawn near moreover he

Luke 19:29 V-AIA-3S
GRK: ἐγένετο ὡς ἤγγισεν εἰς Βηθφαγὴ
NAS: When He approached Bethphage
KJV: when he was come nigh to
INT: it came to pass as he drew near to Bethphage

Luke 19:37 V-PPA-GMS
GRK: ἐγγίζοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ
NAS: As soon as He was approaching, near
KJV: And when he was come nigh, even now
INT: he drew near moreover of him

Luke 19:41 V-AIA-3S
GRK: Καὶ ὡς ἤγγισεν ἰδὼν τὴν
NAS: When He approached [Jerusalem], He saw
KJV: when he was come near, he beheld
INT: And as he drew near having seen the

Luke 21:8 V-RIA-3S
GRK: Ὁ καιρὸς ἤγγικεν μὴ πορευθῆτε
NAS: [He],' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go
KJV: the time draweth near: go ye
INT: The time is drawn near Not go you

Luke 21:20 V-RIA-3S
GRK: γνῶτε ὅτι ἤγγικεν ἡ ἐρήμωσις
NAS: recognize that her desolation is near.
KJV: the desolation thereof is nigh.
INT: know that has drawn near the desolation

Luke 21:28 V-PIA-3S
GRK: ὑμῶν διότι ἐγγίζει ἡ ἀπολύτρωσις
NAS: your redemption is drawing near.
KJV: your redemption draweth nigh.
INT: of you because draws near the redemption

Luke 22:1 V-IIA-3S
GRK: ΗΓΓΙΖΕΝ δὲ ἡ
NAS: the Passover, was approaching.
KJV: of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called
INT: drew near moreover the

Strong's Greek 1448
42 Occurrences


ἤγγικεν — 14 Occ.
ἤγγισαν — 2 Occ.
ἤγγισεν — 7 Occ.
ΗΓΓΙΖΕΝ — 2 Occ.
ἐγγιεῖ — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίσαι — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίσαντος — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίσας — 2 Occ.
ἐγγίσατε — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίζει — 2 Occ.
ἐγγίζειν — 2 Occ.
ἐγγίζομεν — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίζοντες — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίζοντι — 1 Occ.
ἐγγιζόντων — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίζοντος — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίζουσαν — 1 Occ.
ἐγγίζουσιν — 1 Occ.

1447
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