ἐγγύτερος G1452
Nearer, closer in space or time; comparative form indicating reduced distance
The comparative adverb 'nearer' or 'closer'—indicating proximity in space or time. Romans 13:11 uses it temporally: 'salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.' Paul emphasizes the forward progress of redemptive history—each day brings believers closer to Christ's return and the consummation of salvation. The comparative form stresses movement toward a goal. Time isn't cyclical but linear, advancing toward the day when faith becomes sight and hope becomes reality.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Romans 13:11 declares that salvation is 'nearer' now than when believers first trusted Christ—the return of the Lord draws progressively closer. The comparative adverb indicates reduced distance or time. Spanish 'más cerca,' French 'plus près,' German 'näher,' and English 'nearer' all express this approach toward a goal. Paul's point motivates urgent holiness—the eschatological clock is ticking, Christ's return approaches, making moral vigilance increasingly critical as the end draws near. 1×
AR["أَقْرَبُ"]·ben["নিকটতর"]·DE["naeher"]·EN["nearer"]·FR["plus-près"]·heb["קְרוֹבָה-יוֹתֵר"]·HI["निकटतर"]·ID["lebih-dekat"]·IT["piu-vicino"]·jav["langkung-cedhak"]·KO["더-가깝다"]·PT["mais-perto"]·RU["наше"]·ES["más-cerca"]·SW["karibu-zaidi"]·TR["daha-yakın"]·urd["قریب-تر"]
Related Senses
H8033 1. There (locative adverb) (835×)H7760a 1. put, place, set physically (444×)H8064 1. heavens / sky (329×)H5439 1. around, all around (spatial) (319×)H4057b 1. wilderness, desert region (270×)H3220 1. sea, body of water (269×)H0520a 1. cubit (unit of length) (246×)H0127 1. ground, land (territory) (210×)H3383 1. Jordan River (proper noun) (183×)G1093 1. earth, the world (176×)H5800a 1. forsake, abandon (Qal active) (166×)H8121 1. sun (celestial body) (133×)H7126 1. offer, present sacrificially (122×)H6828 1. north, cardinal direction (120×)H2351 1. outside, exterior space (119×)H5104 1. river, stream (119×)H7341 1. width, breadth (101×)G1563 1. there (95×)H7126 2. draw near, approach (95×)G2281 1. sea, large body of water (91×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἐγγύτερος [ῠ], α, ον, comparative adjective, (ἐγγύς) nearer, Refs 5th c.AD+: superlative ἐγγύτατος, η, ον, nearest, LXX+4th c.BC+; δι᾽ ἐγγυτάτου, ={ἐγγυτάτω}, Refs 5th c.BC+