ἀναγγέλλω

I announce, make known, report

Definition

The verb ἀναγγέλλω means to announce, declare, or report something, often with a sense of bringing back or passing on information that has been received. In the New Testament, it frequently describes the act of proclaiming or making known divine truth, as when Jesus says the Spirit of truth "will declare (ἀναγγελεῖ) to you the things that are to come" (John 16:13). In other contexts, it carries the simpler sense of reporting news or events, such as the demoniac's neighbors reporting what had happened (Mark 5:14) or the healed man announcing what Jesus had done for him (Mark 5:19).

Biblical Usage

ἀναγγέλλω is used 18 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels of John and Mark. In John's Gospel, it is used in significant theological discourse, especially in Jesus' Farewell Discourse about the work of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of the Father (John 16:13-15, 25). In Mark, it describes the reporting of miraculous events (Mark 5:14, 19). The word consistently involves the transmission of information, whether mundane news or divine revelation.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana, often meaning 'up' or 'again') and the verb ἀγγέλλω (angellō, 'to announce' or 'to bring a message'). The prefix can imply 'bringing back' a message or 'announcing something upward' or 'openly.' It is related to the noun ἄγγελος (angelos, G32), meaning 'messenger' or 'angel,' highlighting its core idea of message-bearing.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the process of divine revelation. It is used for the Holy Spirit's role in declaring the things of Christ (John 16:13-15) and for believers proclaiming the works of God. Understanding ἀναγγέλλω enriches reading by emphasizing that gospel proclamation is not merely human reporting but involves declaring a received, divine message.

In the Greco-Roman world, reliable messengers were vital for communication. The word's connection to official reporting or proclamation would resonate in a culture familiar with heralds announcing news. The prefix's nuance of 'bringing back' a message fits a setting where information was often carried over distances.

εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, G2097) — to proclaim good news, specifically the gospel. κηρύσσω (kēryssō, G2784) — to herald or preach publicly, often with authority. ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō, G518) — to report or announce, very similar in meaning but with a prefix (ἀπό) emphasizing 'from' a source.

Word Details

Scripture References