Bible Dictionary
NEAR, NIGH
Near or nigh denotes closeness in place, time, or family relationship. Scripture also uses it spiritually: the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and His people are called to draw near to Him.
Definition
Near and nigh describe proximity in place, time, or family relationship. The words may indicate physical closeness, nearness in a coming event, or relationship by kinship. Biblical usage also extends the idea beyond location to moral and spiritual nearness.
Biblical Usage
Scripture speaks of Yahweh as nigh to those of a broken heart. God draws near to His people, and they are called to draw near to Him. This nearness is contrasted with His farness from the wicked.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ner, ni (chiefly qarobh, "to draw near," qarabh; eggus): Used of proximity in place (Ge 19:20; 45:10; Ex 13:17; Ps 22:11; Joh 3:23, etc.), time (Jer 48:16; Eze 7:7; 30:3; Mr 13:28), or kinship (Le 21:2; Ru 3:12), but also employed of moral nearness. Yahweh is "nigh" to them that are of a broken heart (Ps 34:18). God draws nigh to His people, and they to Him (Jas 4:8). The antithesis is God's "farness" from the wicked.</p>