Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in Scripture is essential for interpreting the nuances and deeper meanings behind the texts. The Greek word ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) is particularly significant as it conveys the act of making a promise or declaring a commitment, often with a sense of authority or formality. This verb is central to understanding the nature of divine and human declarations, reflecting both religious and cultural dynamics in ancient Greek society.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) [e-pan-GEL-loh-mai]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἐπαγγέλλω (epangellō), which is composed of the prefix ἐπὶ (epi) meaning “upon” or “on,” and the verb ἀγγέλλω (angellō), meaning “to announce” or “to declare.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To promise: To make a declaration or commitment with a strong sense of assurance or pledge.
• To profess: To publicly declare or assert something, often with a sense of authority or formality.

Similar Words:
The word epangellomai is related to ὁμολογέω (homologeō) [ho-mo-lo-GEH-o], meaning “to confess” or “to declare openly,” but with a slight difference. While epangellomai focuses more on the act of promising or committing to something, homologeō emphasizes agreement or confession, often in a public or communal setting. Another related term is διαβεβαιοῦμαι (diabebaioomai) [di-a-be-BAI-o-oo-mai], meaning “to affirm” or “to assert emphatically,” which suggests a more forceful or emphatic declaration.

Further Insights:
The verb ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) is in the middle voice, which often implies that the subject of the verb is acting upon itself or for its own benefit. This word appears in contexts where a promise or commitment is being made, sometimes with the understanding that the one making the promise is doing so with personal involvement or self-commitment.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) as “to promise” or “to make a solemn declaration,” emphasizing that it is a formal commitment that carries weight and expectation. BDAG further notes that this word appears in contexts of divine and human promises, highlighting its use in both secular and religious literature.

Thayers: Notes that ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) means “to announce” or “to promise.” Thayer’s lexicon elaborates that the term is often used in Scripture for divine promises that are solemnly given by God to His people, as well as human promises that require commitment.

Vines: Explains ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) as “to profess” or “to promise.” Vines points out that the word conveys a sense of formal or authoritative declaration, particularly in the context of making a promise that involves an expectation of fulfillment.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) broadly means “to proclaim” or “to make an announcement.” The LSJ lexicon shows that this term was used in various contexts, from legal proclamations to religious vows, emphasizing the formal and public nature of such declarations.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) as “to profess” or “to announce.” Strong’s highlights that the term often appears in New Testament contexts where promises or declarations of faith are made, reflecting both divine assurances and human commitments.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 14:11: “They were glad when they heard this, and promised (ἐπαγγέλλομαι) to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.”
• Acts 7:5: “But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground; and yet, even when he had no child, He promised (ἐπαγγέλλομαι) that He would give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him.”
• 1 Timothy 2:10: “But rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim (ἐπαγγέλλομαι) to godliness.”
• Hebrews 11:13: “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises (ἐπαγγέλλομαι), but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
• James 2:14: “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπαγγέλλομαι (G1861: epangellomai)

The Greek verb ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai), meaning “to promise” or “to profess,” plays a significant role in biblical and classical Greek literature. It captures the sense of making a solemn commitment or declaration, often involving divine promises or human professions of faith. The word’s use in both secular and religious contexts demonstrates its versatility and importance in conveying authority, assurance, and commitment.

Did You Know?

The word ἐπαγγέλλομαι (epangellomai) is connected to the modern English word “evangelism.” The root ἀγγέλλω (angellō) is related to “angel” or “messenger,” reflecting the idea of proclaiming or announcing good news, much like how epangellomai involves making a formal declaration or promise.