A summary of Near and Nigh

Editors Note: As we prepare our former blog posts to be published in book form, both Brother Scott and I are reviewing and rewriting some of them. Here is Paul Scott's excellent summary of his previous two posts concerning near and nigh.

In several past articles we’ve pointed out the differences of Nigh and Near. Briefly, Nigh indicates nothing between, whereas Near refers to being relatively close in proximity. Nigh speaks of a barrier or obstacle (rather the lack thereof); Near speaks of distance.

When we are told to draw nigh to God (James 4:8), it is not a linear space that we reduce, it is the removal of anything (such as idols) between us. We are made nigh by the blood of Christ…. he hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us - Eph. 2: 13, 14. Notice that the word used is nigh: the removal of a partition between us. Now, we have unobstructed access: nigh.

Notice that the Philistine and David drew near (closed the distance) and that the Philistine had his shield bearer before him (between the Philistine and David) - 1 Sam. 17:40, 41. After they have words, the arrogant Philistine came toward David, without his shield: he drew nigh to meet David- nothing between him and David - 17: 48.

The Israelites were near to God, they left their camp and came to the base of the mountain. They could hear and see the LORD’s presence - they were close, they were near. But they were not nigh. For there were set bounds between God and the People, and if they crossed the boundary (became nigh), they would die. Moses and Aaron were the only ones allowed to be nigh - Ex. 19:12-24. For this people, knowing the difference between nigh and near was a

matter of life and death.

So, we fast forward to Psalm 91. The word nigh is used twice in this Psalm (v. 7, 10). Each time nigh is used in Psalm 91, it is used in the negative: some danger shall not come nigh thee. That is, there will be a barrier, a shield, a defense, between you and the pestilence, the evil, that would attack you. The evil desires to be nigh: it desires nothing between, so it can destroy you, but it shall not be nigh. Truth shall be thy shield and buckler, and his angels shall keep

thee. You, who love God, shall be protected.

And, now to the point: the accuracy the Authorized Version. Please read Ps. 91: 5-8, especially v. 7. “A thousand shall fall at thy side” - indicates the pestilence is destroying many…many who are very close to you. The term “at thy side” clearly shows the ‘nearness,’ the relative close proximity to the believer. And, again, “at thy right hand,” reveals these victims are very near! This plague is so close to the believer, he can actually witness it (v. 8) – although he himself is

protected, it cannot come nigh to him.

A clear picture is painted by the Holy Ghost via the Bible; but, there are modern versions that totally muddy the canvas. For example, they also use the terms “at your side” and “at your right hand” to indicate close proximity. But, their verse continues (v. 7) “…but it will not come near you.” (NIV). Wait a minute! You just said it (pestilence) was at your side, and that it was at your right hand (can you get any closer?). Now, you say it will not come near?! But, it is

already near! This is confusing, this is a contradiction.

Summary Near or Nigh

If these modern versions had used nigh, instead of the easy-to-read replacement word, near, there would be no contradiction or confusion.

Conclusion: our mind’s eye can form a sharp, accurate picture using the distinctive words of the King James Bible. It’s worth the work, and it’s a good exercise of faith, to learn the grammar (including vocabulary) of Early Modern English, the language of the Bible.