εὐαγγελίζω

I bring good news, preach good tidings

Definition

The verb εὐαγγελίζω means to announce or proclaim good news, specifically the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it often refers to preaching the gospel to people, as when the angel announces good news to the shepherds (Luke 2:10) or when Jesus preaches the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43). It can also denote bringing news of a specific event, such as Jesus telling John the Baptist's disciples about the miracles performed, which fulfill messianic prophecy (Matthew 11:5, Luke 7:22). In some passages, the content of the good news is explicitly stated, like 'the good news of peace' (Ephesians 2:17) or 'the good news of God' (Romans 1:1).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 51 times in the New Testament, predominantly in Luke-Acts (over 20 times) and the Pauline epistles (over 20 times), highlighting its importance in early Christian proclamation. In the Gospels, it often describes Jesus' own ministry of preaching the kingdom (e.g., Luke 4:18, 8:1). In Acts and the epistles, it refers to the apostolic mission of spreading the Christian message to both Jews and Gentiles (e.g., Acts 8:4, Galatians 1:8). The usage consistently involves an authoritative declaration of joyful, saving news, not merely informal sharing.

Etymology

Derived from the noun εὐαγγέλιον (euaggelion, G2098), meaning 'good news' or 'gospel,' which itself comes from εὖ (eu, 'good') and ἀγγέλλω (aggelō, 'to announce'). In secular Greek, the word group was used for announcements of victory or imperial decrees. The New Testament adopts and transforms this term to center on the definitive good news of Jesus Christ, giving it a distinct theological weight.

Semantic Range

This word is central to Christian theology, encapsulating the mission of Jesus and the church. It defines the core activity of evangelism—proclaiming the gospel of salvation. Understanding its Greek roots emphasizes that the gospel is not just advice but an authoritative, royal announcement of God's saving action in Christ (Romans 1:16). It connects directly to the doctrine of justification by faith and the Great Commission, enriching Bible reading by highlighting the urgency and joy inherent in the message.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'good news' (euaggelion) often referred to proclamations about the emperor, such as his birthday or military victories, portraying him as a savior. The New Testament's use of this term for Jesus would have been striking, presenting him as the true Savior and Lord, subverting imperial propaganda. This cultural backdrop adds a layer of political and spiritual confrontation to the biblical message.

κηρύσσω (kēryssō, G2784) — emphasizes public proclamation or heralding, often of repentance. μαρτυρέω (martyreō, G3140) — focuses on bearing witness or testifying to facts. λαλέω (laleō, G2980) — a general term for speaking, sometimes used for preaching but without the specific 'good news' connotation.

Word Details

Scripture References