The Hebrew adjective qarov (from qarav, H7126, to approach) means near, close, or nearby — in space, time, or relationship. It is used geographically (nearby nations), temporally (the day of the LORD is near), and relationally (near of kin, close family). Its antonym is rachok (far).
The nearness of God is one of Scripture's most consoling themes. "The LORD is near to all who call on him" (Psalm 145:18); "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18). Israel's distinctive privilege was that God was qarov to them in a way He was not to other nations (Deuteronomy 4:7). The prophets announce that the Day of the LORD is qarov — near (Joel 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7) — a word of both warning and promise. In Christ, Paul declares that "you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13) — the ultimate fulfillment of qarov.