καταγγέλλω

I declare openly, preach

Definition

The verb καταγγέλλω means to proclaim or announce something publicly and authoritatively. It often carries the sense of declaring a message with conviction, as seen when Paul and Barnabas 'proclaimed the word of God' in synagogues (Acts 13:5). In a more specific theological sense, it is used for preaching the gospel, such as declaring Jesus as the Christ (Acts 17:3) or proclaiming forgiveness of sins through Him (Acts 13:38). The word implies a formal, public declaration rather than a private conversation, emphasizing the open dissemination of a message.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used exclusively in the book of Acts (17 times), always in the context of early Christian missionary activity. It describes the public proclamation of the gospel message, whether to Jews in synagogues (Acts 13:5, 17:3) or to Gentiles in public spaces. The subjects are typically apostles like Paul, Barnabas, and Silas, and the content is consistently the message about Jesus Christ. For example, in Acts 16:21, Paul and Silas are accused of 'proclaiming customs' unlawful for Romans, showing its use for spreading new teachings.

Etymology

Derived from κατά (kata), meaning 'down' or 'according to,' and the root related to ἀγγέλλω (angellō), meaning 'to announce' or 'to report.' The prefix κατα- can intensify the meaning, giving the sense of a thorough or authoritative proclamation. It is cognate with εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, G2097), which specifically means 'to preach good news,' while καταγγέλλω has a broader sense of declaring any message publicly.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the essence of early Christian preaching—a public, bold declaration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It underscores the missionary mandate of the church to proclaim the message of salvation openly, as seen throughout Acts. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the intentional, authoritative nature of apostolic preaching, contrasting with mere conversation or teaching, and emphasizing the outward focus of the early church's witness.

In the Greco-Roman world, public proclamation was a common method for disseminating news, philosophical ideas, or imperial decrees. καταγγέλλω would have been understood in this context of formal announcement, often in public gatherings like synagogues or marketplaces. The early Christians adopted this practice to spread their message, positioning the gospel as a public truth claim in contrast to private mysteries or secret teachings, which aligns with the open invitation of the Christian faith.

κηρύσσω (kēryssō, G2784) — emphasizes heralding or preaching like a town crier, often with urgency; εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, G2097) — specifically means to proclaim good news or the gospel; μαρτυρέω (martyreō, G3140) — focuses on bearing witness or testifying, often in a legal or personal sense.

Word Details

Scripture References