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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it deepens our comprehension of the text and its cultural context. The Greek word εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) is particularly significant as it means “to proclaim good news” or “to evangelize.” It is foundational to understanding the New Testament’s message of the Gospel and is directly related to the concept of sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ. The term is not only central to New Testament theology but also carries rich cultural and historical connotations from ancient Greek society.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) [yoo-ang-GHEL-id-zo]
- Etymology: Derived from the Greek words εὖ (eu), meaning “good” or “well,” and ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning “messenger.” Together, they form the concept of bringing or announcing good news.
- Part of Speech: Verb; typically middle or passive in form, but active in meaning.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To proclaim good news: Often referring to the announcement of the Gospel or the message of salvation.
- To evangelize: The act of spreading the message of Christ to others.
- To declare: A more general use, meaning to announce or make something known, usually in a public or formal context.
Similar Words: κηρύσσω (kēryssō) [kay-ROOS-so], meaning “to proclaim” or “to preach.” While εὐαγγελίζω specifically refers to proclaiming good news, often the Gospel, κηρύσσω can refer to preaching or heralding any message, not limited to good news.
Further Insights: εὐαγγελίζω is a verb that primarily appears in its middle or passive forms, though it conveys an active sense. It is frequently used in the New Testament in contexts where the “good news” of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is being announced. Below is the table for the present active indicative form:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | εὐαγγελίζω (I evangelize) | εὐαγγελίζομεν (we evangelize) |
| 2nd | εὐαγγελίζεις (you evangelize) | εὐαγγελίζετε (you all evangelize) |
| 3rd | εὐαγγελίζει (he/she/it evangelizes) | εὐαγγελίζουσι(ν) (they evangelize) |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines εὐαγγελίζω as “to bring good news,” particularly in relation to announcing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a verb frequently used in missionary and evangelistic contexts.
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Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes εὐαγγελίζω as meaning “to announce good tidings,” often associated with the preaching of the Gospel. It highlights the middle voice usage in the Greek New Testament, where the subject often acts in their own interest or with emphasis.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Notes that εὐαγγελίζω means “to bring, declare, or preach the good news.” It emphasizes the term’s usage in the Gospels and Acts, where it is associated with the proclamation of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Recognizes εὐαγγελίζω as a common verb in both classical and Koine Greek, signifying the act of proclaiming or bringing good news, particularly within the context of Hellenistic culture.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists εὐαγγελίζω as Strong’s G2097, defining it as “to announce good news, especially the Gospel.” It is used extensively throughout the New Testament and linked directly to the message of Christ and salvation.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach the gospel (εὐαγγελίζω) to the poor…”
- Acts 8:35: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus (εὐαγγελίζω) to him.”
- Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news (εὐαγγελίζω) of good things!”
- Revelation 14:6: “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach (εὐαγγελίζω) to those who live on the earth…”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Plutarch | Life of Alexander | “He sent messengers to proclaim (εὐαγγελίζω) the victory throughout the land.” |
| Polybius | Histories | “They were filled with joy at the news that was proclaimed (εὐαγγελίζω) to them.” |
| Philo of Alexandria | On the Life of Moses | “He proclaimed (εὐαγγελίζω) that God had worked great wonders.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah | Isaiah 52:7 (LXX) | “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings (εὐαγγελίζω)…” |
| Psalms | Psalm 68:11 (LXX) | “The Lord gives the word; the women who proclaim (εὐαγγελίζω) the good tidings are a great host.” |
| Isaiah | Isaiah 61:1 (LXX) | “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings (εὐαγγελίζω) to the poor…” |
Summary of εὐαγγελίζω (G2097)
The Greek word εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) is a powerful term in Biblical studies, signifying the act of proclaiming good news, particularly the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The word combines the ideas of a positive message (εὖ) with the role of a messenger (ἄγγελος), and it holds a central place in New Testament theology as it relates to evangelism and spreading the message of salvation. Understanding εὐαγγελίζω provides deeper insights into the New Testament’s call for believers to share the “good news” and offers a richer appreciation for the Biblical text’s cultural and theological nuances.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the English word “evangelize” comes directly from the Greek word εὐαγγελίζω? This term not only shaped the Christian concept of spreading the Gospel but also influenced the development of religious and cultural movements throughout history, emphasizing the importance of communication and proclamation in the faith.
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