This article deals with the verb nálægjast ‘approach’. Normally, it takes an accusative object. However, some examples of a dative object can be found. In most of the cases the meaning refers to some kind of divine power. On the other hand, there are examples, especially the younger ones, which do not show any kind of semantic hindrance. The verb is hardly used any longer. Instead, its synonym nálgast is used. One of the oldest examples of nálægjast taking dative object is from the New Testament (1540), Hebrews 7:19. The dative case with nálægjast appears in the Guðbrand’s Bible (1584) too and, surprisingly, in the edition from 1813. Furthermore, the verb nálægjast is used in all editions until 1813 (included), also in the 1908 edition. In the edition from 1866, the verb nálgast first appears; it is also used in the edition from 1912 and 1981. In all instances, nálgast is taking an accusative object. On the other hand, the verb nálægja (+ acc/dat) appears in the 1841 and 1859 editions. In the latest edition from 2007, the verb doesn’t appear in the verse in question and the syntax is different. The dative case with nálægjast is discussed further in order to find a reasonable explanation. In that case, it is worth mentioning that the verb fjarlægjast ‘grow more distant’, an antonym to nálægjast, and nálgast, a synonym to nálægjast, in many instances shows the same behaviour.