Brief Overview of εὐαγγελιστής (Strong’s G2099: euangelistēs)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital for Biblical studies, as it opens the door to a deeper comprehension of the text. The Greek word εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistēs) is significant in this regard, as it refers to an “evangelist”—someone who proclaims or spreads the “good news” or “gospel.” This term is crucial in the New Testament context, where it defines a specific role within the early Christian Church. Understanding εὐαγγελιστής helps us to appreciate the historical and cultural backdrop of early Christianity and its mission to disseminate the gospel.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistēs) [yoo-ang-ghel-is-TACE]
• Etymology: Derived from εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion), meaning “good news” or “gospel,” and the suffix -ιστής (-istēs), which indicates an agent or one who practices a certain activity. Thus, εὐαγγελιστής means “one who proclaims good news.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Evangelist: One who preaches or proclaims the gospel, particularly in the context of the early Christian Church.
• Preacher of Good News: A messenger or herald specifically devoted to spreading the Christian message.

Similar Words: προφήτης (prophētēs) [pro-FAY-tace], meaning “prophet.” While both an εὐαγγελιστής and a προφήτης proclaim a message, the προφήτης focuses on divine revelation or prophecy, often concerning future events or divine will, whereas an εὐαγγελιστής specifically focuses on the “good news” or gospel.

Further Insights: εὐαγγελιστής is a masculine noun of the first declension, typically used in the singular form to refer to individuals in the New Testament identified as evangelists. Below is the declension chart for the noun:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes εὐαγγελιστής as one who announces the good news, especially in a Christian context. It emphasizes the role of the evangelist in the early Church as one who travels to spread the message of Christ.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon defines εὐαγγελιστής as “a bringer of good tidings,” particularly referring to the apostles and others who went about preaching the gospel. It notes the term’s use in connection with individuals known for their evangelistic work, such as Philip (Acts 21:8).

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s highlights εὐαγγελιστής as an itinerant proclaimer of the gospel. The term is distinct from other roles in the church, such as pastor-teacher or prophet, focusing specifically on the act of evangelism.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): In classical usage, εὐαγγελιστής does not appear frequently, as it is more commonly found in early Christian texts. The LSJ notes its usage to denote a herald or messenger of good news.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists εὐαγγελιστής as Strong’s G2099, defining it as “a preacher of the gospel.” It cross-references other related terms such as εὐαγγελίζω (to proclaim good news) and εὐαγγέλιον (the gospel or good news).

Related Scripture References

• Acts 21:8: “On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist (εὐαγγελιστής), who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.”
• Ephesians 4:11: “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists (εὐαγγελιστάς), and some as pastors and teachers…”
• 2 Timothy 4:5: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist (εὐαγγελιστοῦ), fulfill your ministry.”

Classical Usage

While εὐαγγελιστής is predominantly a Christian term, its roots can be found in classical Greek culture. Here are examples of its conceptual precursors:

Summary of εὐαγγελιστής (G2099)

The Greek word εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistēs) refers to a “proclaimer of good news,” specifically a role within the early Christian Church focused on evangelism. Derived from εὐαγγέλιον (gospel) and -ιστής (one who practices), it highlights the activity of spreading the gospel message. The term appears in several key New Testament passages, showing its importance in defining the church’s evangelistic mission. While it does not appear in classical Greek literature, the concept has its roots in the idea of a messenger or herald bearing good news, further emphasizing the transformative impact of the gospel message in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the English word “evangelist” directly comes from the Greek εὐαγγελιστής? This term not only defines a role within the early Church but has also shaped the way we think about spreading messages and news today. The term “evangelism” has even expanded into secular contexts, referring to any enthusiastic advocacy for a cause or message.