Brief overview of διαγγέλλω (G1229: diangellō)

Transliteration: diangellō (pronounced dee-ang-GEL-loh)
Part of Speech: Verb

The Greek verb διαγγέλλω (diangellō) is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning “through” or “across,” and the verb ἀγγέλλω (angellō), meaning “to announce” or “to report.” Thus, διαγγέλλω literally means “to announce through” or “to proclaim widely.” The primary meaning of διαγγέλλω is “to declare,” “to make known,” or “to proclaim” something emphatically and publicly. This verb is often used in contexts where an important message or news needs to be spread or made known to a wide audience, emphasizing the thoroughness and clarity of the announcement.

Scripture References

1. Acts 21:26
   “Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice (διαγγέλλω, diangellō) when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.”
2. Acts 16:17
   “She followed Paul and us, crying out, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim (διαγγέλλω, diangellō) to you the way of salvation.'”
3. Luke 9:60
   “And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim (διαγγέλλω, diangellō) the kingdom of God.'”

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, διαγγέλλω (diangellō) is defined as “to announce,” “to proclaim,” or “to declare publicly.” The lexicon emphasizes the verb’s usage in contexts where a message is delivered clearly and authoritatively to a broad audience. The term is often associated with the act of making a public declaration, particularly in a religious or formal context.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also defines διαγγέλλω as “to declare” or “to proclaim,” highlighting its application in the New Testament where the verb is used to describe the proclamation of important religious truths or directives. Thayer’s notes that the word carries the connotation of making something widely known, often with a sense of urgency or importance.

The LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) lexicon provides additional classical context, noting that διαγγέλλω was used in ancient Greek literature to describe the act of delivering messages or decrees, often by heralds or official messengers. The term was employed in both secular and religious contexts, underlining its versatility and importance in communication.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus, Histories 7.157 – In Herodotus’s Histories, διαγγέλλω is used to describe the act of proclaiming a royal decree throughout the kingdom. The term is associated with the formal announcement of important news to the public.
2. Xenophon, Anabasis 3.2.7 – Xenophon uses διαγγέλλω to refer to the proclamation of military orders during a campaign. The term is employed to convey the sense of urgent and widespread communication necessary for the coordination of troops.
3. Plutarch, Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans 24.3 – Plutarch uses διαγγέλλω to describe the announcement of public celebrations and festivals. The term emphasizes the importance of making such events known to all citizens, ensuring broad participation.

Summary

The Greek verb διαγγέλλω (diangellō) is a powerful word that conveys the act of making a public and authoritative proclamation. Derived from the root words διά (dia), meaning “through,” and ἀγγέλλω (angellō), meaning “to announce,” diangellō signifies a thorough and widespread declaration. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the proclamation of important religious messages, such as the gospel or directives from Jesus.

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The term is also found in classical Greek literature, where it is used in a variety of contexts, including the announcement of royal decrees, military orders, and public festivals. Whether in a religious, political, or social context, διαγγέλλω underscores the importance of clear and authoritative communication, ensuring that vital information is widely disseminated and understood by all.