προσεγγίζω
prosengízō
G4331
SILEX Entry
Definition
to come near to someone or something, to approach by drawing closer in space, or to move toward a person, place, or situation. The term frequently refers to physical proximity but can also express approaching metaphorically, such as drawing near in intent, attitude, or relationship.
Semantic Range
to come near, to draw close, to approach physically, to move toward, to reach the vicinity of, to come up to (a person, place, or object)
Root / Etymology
From the preposition πρός (to, toward) and ἐγγίζω (to approach, to draw near), forming a compound that emphasizes movement toward or in proximity to a person or thing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, προσεγγίζω primarily retains its spatial sense: physically approaching a person or an object. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it typically describes someone coming up to or drawing close to another, often with the purpose of interaction (e.g., to speak, heal, or question). While contexts may suggest a symbolic sense (such as approaching God or entering into a situation), the word almost always denotes the action of moving toward. Classical Greek rarely attests this compound, which is much more common in later periods. Standard English translations sometimes render as 'come near' or 'draw near,' which captures the immediate sense but may obscure nuances in settings where approach implies intent or purpose. Distinct from ἐγγίζω, which also means 'to draw near,' προσεγγίζω often carries an added sense of directed motion from one party specifically toward another. Seldom used for abstract or figurative approach without context supplied by surrounding words.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρός and ἐγγίζω; to approach near:--come nigh.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.