διαγγέλλω

I announce throughout, spread the news of

Definition

The verb διαγγέλλω means to announce or proclaim something widely, carrying the sense of spreading a message throughout a region or to a broad audience. In Luke 9:60, Jesus commands a would-be disciple to 'go and announce the kingdom of God' to others, emphasizing a public, evangelistic proclamation. In Acts 21:26, it describes Paul giving notice about the completion of a purification ritual, a more formal, declarative sense. In Romans 9:17, quoting Exodus, it refers to God's declaration of His name and power throughout the earth, indicating a sovereign, universal announcement.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only three times in the New Testament, each in a distinct context that highlights its core meaning of widespread announcement. In Luke 9:60, it is used in the context of Jesus' ministry and the urgent mission of proclaiming God's kingdom. In Acts 21:26, it appears in a narrative about Jewish temple ritual, showing a formal, public notice. In Romans 9:17 (quoting Exodus 9:16 LXX), it is used theologically to describe God's sovereign purpose in making His power known globally. The pattern shows it is used for significant, public declarations, whether evangelistic, ritual, or divine.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'throughout,' combined with a root related to ἀγγέλλω (angellō, G31), meaning 'to announce' or 'to report.' Thus, the compound literally means 'to announce through' or 'to proclaim throughout,' intensifying the sense of spreading a message widely. It shares this root with words like εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, G2097), 'to preach good news,' though διαγγέλλω is more general, not inherently specifying the content as 'good.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the concept of authoritative, public proclamation central to God's revelation and mission. In Luke 9:60, it underscores the urgency and scope of announcing God's kingdom, a core task of discipleship. In Romans 9:17, it highlights God's sovereign purpose in making His name and power known throughout creation, relating to doctrines of divine sovereignty and revelation. Understanding its emphasis on widespread declaration enriches reading by highlighting the public, intentional nature of God's communication and the believer's role in spreading it.

In the Greco-Roman world, public heralds or messengers (κήρυκες, kērykes) were common for making official announcements, decrees, or news known throughout a city or region. διαγγέλλω would evoke this cultural practice of formal, authoritative proclamation, often from a figure of authority. This differs from a modern, informal 'sharing' of information, as it carried weight and expected a public response. In Jewish context, as seen in Acts 21:26, it also connected to ritual declarations within temple worship, showing its adaptability to both secular and sacred announcements.

κηρύσσω (kēryssō, G2784) — to herald or preach, often with a focus on the act of public proclamation, especially of the gospel. εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, G2097) — to proclaim good news or the gospel, specifying joyful content. ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō, G518) — to report or bring back a message, often with a sense of delivering news from a source.

Word Details

Scripture References