King James Bible Dictionary

NEAR, adjective [This seems to be a contracted word, from nigher, the comparative of neh, nih or nieh; strait, narrow; to narrow]

1. Nigh; not far distant in place, time or degree. Regularly, near should be followed by to, but this is often omitted. We say, a house stands near a river; a friend sits near me; the man fell and was near destruction.

And Jacob went near to Isaac his father. Genesis 27:21.

Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Romans 13:11.

2. Closely related by blood.

She is thy fathers near kinswoman. Leviticus 18:6.

3. Not distant in affection, support or assistance; present; ready; willing to aid.

Call upon the Lord, while he is near Isaiah 55:6.

4. Intimate; united in close ties of affection or confidence; as a near friend.

5. Dear; affecting ones interest or feelings; as a near concern.

My nearest life.

6. Close; parsimonious.

7. Close; not loose, free or rambling; as a version near the original.

8. Next to one; opposed to off; as the near horse or ox in a team.

NEAR, adverb Almost; within a little. It is near twelve oclock. The payment of such a sum would go near to ruin him.

NEAR, verb transitive To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land; a seamans phrase.

NEAREST, adjective Shortest; most direct; as the nearest way to London. So we use nearer for shorter. [The use of these words is not correct, but very common.]

child of the Lord

1. Son of Shemaiah
1 Chronicles 3:22-23

2. A Simeonite captain
1 Chronicles 4:42

(servant of Jehovah).

1. One of the six sons of Shemaiah in the line of the royal family of Judah after the captivity. (1 Chronicles 3:22,23) (B.C. about 350.)
2. A son of Ishi, and one of the captains of the 500 Simeonites who in the days of Hezekiah, drove out the Amalekites from Mount Seir. (1 Chronicles 4:42) (B.C. 715.)

NEARLY, adverb

1. At no great distance; not remotely.

2. Closely; as two persons nearly related or allied.

3. Intimately; pressingly; with a close relation to ones interest or happiness. It nearly concerns us to preserve peace with our neighbor.

4. Almost; within a little. The fact is nearly demonstrated.

5. In a parsimonious or niggardly manner.

NEARNESS, noun

1. Closeness; small distance. The nearness of a place to a market enhances the value of lands.

2. Close alliance by blood; propinquity; as the nearness of brothers and sisters, parents and children.

3. Close union by affection; intimacy of friendship.

4. Parsimony; closeness in expenses.