πόρρω

far, far off

Definition

The Greek particle πόρρω (porrō) fundamentally means 'far,' 'far off,' or 'at a distance.' It denotes a spatial separation, whether literal or metaphorical. In its literal sense, it describes a physical remoteness, as seen in Luke 14:32, where a king sends a delegation while his enemy is still 'far off.' Metaphorically, it describes a relational or spiritual distance, particularly in the context of worship that is disconnected from the heart, as cited in Jesus' quotation of Isaiah in Matthew 15:8 and Mark 7:6.

Biblical Usage

πόρρω is used only three times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Matthew 15:8 and Mark 7:6, it is used metaphorically within a prophetic condemnation to describe people who honor God with their lips while their hearts are 'far' from Him. In Luke 14:32, it is used in a literal, military parable to describe an enemy army being 'a long way off,' allowing for diplomatic negotiation. The pattern shows its application in both concrete and deeply spiritual contexts of separation.

Etymology

The word πόρρω is a primary adverb in Greek, derived from the preposition πρό (pro, 'before'). Its root conveys a sense of forwardness or being in front, which semantically extended to indicate a position far away or at a distance. It is related to the comparative form πόρρωθεν (porrōthen, 'from afar'), which appears elsewhere in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

Theologically, πόρρω is significant in Jesus' teachings on authentic worship. In Matthew 15:8 and Mark 7:6, He uses it to diagnose a critical spiritual condition: external religious observance coupled with internal heart distance from God. This highlights the biblical theme that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6) and that proximity to Him is a matter of the heart, not just physical or ritual nearness. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of these passages by emphasizing the serious charge of hypocrisy.

In the cultural context of Jesus' quotation from Isaiah, the concept of worship while the heart is 'far off' would have resonated with Jewish listeners familiar with prophetic critiques of empty ritualism (e.g., Isaiah 1:10-17). It contrasted sharply with the ideal of wholehearted devotion commanded in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5). The literal use in Luke 14:32 reflects common military and diplomatic realities of the ancient world, where distance determined strategy.

μακράν (makran, G3112) — also means 'far away,' but often implies a greater distance or a more permanent state of remoteness, frequently used in spiritual contexts (e.g., Ephesians 2:13, 17).

Word Details

Scripture References