קָרֹב

From the study of Psalm 15:3

Range of meaning

As an adjective it means near, in place or time. As a noun it means 'one who is near', meaning a relative or close associate (Lev 21:2-3, 'his near kin'; Ruth 2:20 uses the related verb idea for close kin). It can also mean simply someone close by (Exod 32:27).

Against the English

KJV has 'neighbour' (the same word it used for rēaʿ, which hides the change of word). BSB has 'friend', ESV and NASB 'friend', WEB 'fellow man', and NIV broadens it to 'others'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Lev 21:2-3, Job 19:14 ('my near ones have failed me'), Ps 38:11 ('my near ones stand far off').

From the study of Isaiah 55:6

Range of meaning

Near or close: in space (nearby), in time (imminent, about to happen), and in relationship (a close relative, someone intimate). From the same root comes the verb qarav, "draw near, approach," which is also used of approaching God in worship and sacrifice.

Against the English

"Near" is accurate. English readers usually hear only spatial or emotional closeness. In Isaiah 40–55 the word also carries a time sense: God's saving action is about to arrive.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isa 46:13: "I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off." 50:8: "he who vindicates me is near." 51:5: "my righteousness is near, my salvation has gone out." 56:1: "my salvation is near to come." Ps 34:18 and 145:18: Yahweh is near to the brokenhearted and to those who call him. Deut 4:7 and 30:14 ("the word is very near you").

From the study of Psalm 34:18

Range of meaning

Near in space (a nearby city), near in time ("the day is near"), and near in relationship. As a noun it means a close relative, the kin you could call on in trouble (Lev 21:2–3; Ruth 2:20, where Boaz is "near to us," one of the family redeemers).

Against the English

English "near" or "close" is accurate but can sound like a feeling of being emotionally present. In the Psalms, God being near means he is within reach to act; God being far means he is not helping.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deut 4:7: "What great nation has a god so near to it as the LORD our God whenever we call on him?" Ps 145:18: "The LORD is near to all who call on him." Ps 22:11 pleads, "Do not be far from me, for trouble is near," setting God's nearness against trouble's nearness. Ps 119:151; Isa 55:6.