Understanding διαγγέλλω (diaggello) Strong’s G1229: The Divine Commission to Proclaim God’s Kingdom

Pronunciation Guide: dee-ang-gel’-lo

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1229: Διαγγέλλω (diaggello) fundamentally means “to publish abroad, to announce thoroughly and widely, to proclaim.” It carries the sense of a deliberate, comprehensive announcement that reaches through (δια/dia) to its intended audience. In the New Testament, this word often carries the nuance of proclaiming a divinely commissioned message, particularly regarding God’s Kingdom.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Compound word from διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ἀγγέλλω (angello, “to announce, report”)
• Related to ἄγγελος (angelos, “messenger”) from which we get “angel”
• Found primarily in narrative portions of the Gospels and Acts
• Used in contexts of kingdom proclamation and divine commission

Διαγγέλλω Morphology:

• διαγγέλλω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I proclaim/announce thoroughly
• διαγγέλλεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you proclaim/announce thoroughly
• διαγγέλλει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it proclaims/announces thoroughly
• διάγγελλε (present active imperative, 2nd person singular) – proclaim/announce thoroughly!
• διαγγεῖλαι (aorist active infinitive) – to proclaim/announce thoroughly

Origin & History

The verb διαγγέλλω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used for official announcements and proclamations. Xenophon employed it in his “Anabasis” (5.6.19) to describe how news was spread throughout an army. In Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War” (6.46.5), it appears when describing how information was being disseminated between cities.

In the Septuagint (LXX), διαγγέλλω took on deeper theological significance. It appears in Psalm 2:7 (LXX 2:7) where Yahweh’s decree concerning His Anointed One is “proclaimed.” Similarly, in Psalm 50:17 (LXX 49:17), the psalmist declares “I will proclaim (διαγγέλλω) Your righteousness.” This established a pattern of using the term for divine proclamations and covenant announcements that would influence its New Testament usage, especially in contexts relating to the Messiah and His kingdom.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To announce thoroughly and completely, leaving no detail unmentioned
• To proclaim far and wide, reaching through barriers to ensure the message is heard
• To declare officially, with divinely sanctioned authority
• To spread news extensively, ensuring comprehensive coverage
• To publish a message with the intention of it being acted upon

Διαγγέλλω Translation Options:

• “Thoroughly proclaim” – Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the proclamation, highlighting the διά (through, thoroughly) prefix
• “Declare widely” – Focuses on the broad reach implied in the original meaning
• “Announce completely” – Captures the sense of a full, complete announcement that leaves nothing out
• “Proclaim abroad” – Reflects the outward movement of the message to all who should hear it
• “Publish thoroughly” – Conveys the official, authoritative nature of the proclamation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, διαγγέλλω appears only six times, but in significant contexts that reveal its theological importance. Its first appearance is in Luke 9:60, where Yeshua (Jesus) commands a potential disciple to “go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” This sets the tone for the word’s usage as being connected to the divine commission to announce God’s kingdom.

In Acts 21:26, Paul uses this word when he “declared the completion of the days of purification” in the Temple, showing the term’s connection to official, public declarations. The apostle Paul employs it again in Romans 9:17 when quoting God’s words to Pharaoh: “that My name might be proclaimed throughout all the earth.”

Key verses containing διαγγέλλω include:

• “But Yeshua said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim [διάγγελλε] the kingdom of God.'” Luke 9:60
• “…and the next day, purifying himself along with them, entered the temple, giving notice [διαγγέλλων] of the completion of the days of purification…” Acts 21:26
• “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed [διαγγελῇ] throughout all the earth.'” Romans 9:17
• “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim [καταγγέλλετε, a related word] the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26
• “But when they had departed, they began to proclaim [διήγγελλον] throughout the whole city what great things Yeshua had done for him.” Luke 8:39
• “But some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail [ἐκδιηγούμενοι, a related form] the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren.” Acts 15:1-3

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, official proclamations were crucial to governance and community life. Town criers (κήρυκες/kerukes in Greek) would stand in public squares and “thoroughly announce” (διαγγέλλω) important messages from rulers or community leaders. Without modern communication tools, the thoroughness implied in διαγγέλλω was essential—messengers needed to ensure everyone received the complete message without distortion.

When Yeshua instructs His followers to “go and proclaim the kingdom of God” using διαγγέλλω, He is drawing on cultural understandings of royal proclamations. In Jewish tradition, the arrival of the Messianic age would be heralded by messengers proclaiming the good news throughout Israel and beyond. The Hebrew concept of “basar” (בָּשַׂר) – to bring good news – finds expression in διαγγέλλω when it concerns the Kingdom. This helps explain why Yeshua’s command to the disciple in Luke 9:60 carries such urgency and authority—it’s not merely sharing information but officially announcing the arrival of God’s promised kingdom.

Theological Significance

Διαγγέλλω carries profound theological weight in its connection to divine commission. When Yeshua commands potential disciples to “proclaim the kingdom of God” using this specific term, He is conferring a sacred task that extends beyond mere information-sharing. This proclamation is an extension of God’s own declaration and carries divine authority.

The comprehensive nature of διαγγέλλω also reflects the all-encompassing scope of God’s kingdom message. It’s not a partial announcement or selective revelation, but the full disclosure of divine truth intended to reach all people. This aligns with Yahweh’s character as revealed throughout Scripture—He is a God who desires to be known, who speaks clearly and completely, holding nothing back that is necessary for His people.

In Romans 9:17, Paul’s use of διαγγέλλω in reference to God’s name being proclaimed throughout the earth highlights another theological dimension: God’s sovereign purpose in revelation. The proclamation of His name and deeds is not incidental but central to His redemptive plan. Even through Pharaoh’s resistance, God ensured His name would be thoroughly announced to the world. This demonstrates how διαγγέλλω connects to God’s determination to make Himself known despite human opposition.

Personal Application

The divine commission embedded in διαγγέλλω challenges us to consider the thoroughness and intentionality of our own witness. When we share the good news of the Messiah, are we proclaiming it completely? Are we ensuring the message reaches through barriers to touch those who need to hear it?

Yeshua’s command to “go and proclaim the kingdom” remains our commission today. Like the town criers of old who would enter a village and thoroughly announce their message until everyone had heard, we are called to be persistent and comprehensive in sharing God’s truth. This isn’t about merely speaking words but ensuring understanding. The διά (through) prefix reminds us that true proclamation penetrates obstacles—whether cultural, intellectual, or emotional—to reach hearts and minds with God’s transformative message.

Consider: What aspects of God’s character or work might you be holding back from thoroughly proclaiming? How might you more completely announce the fullness of His kingdom message to those in your sphere of influence? The call to διαγγέλλω invites us to leave no corner of our world untouched by the light of His truth.

Related Words

• κηρύσσω (kerusso, pronounced kay-roos’-so) – to herald, to proclaim as a public crier; focuses more on the public, authoritative nature of proclamation, while διαγγέλλω emphasizes the thoroughness and comprehensive nature of the announcement. See G2784
• εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizo, pronounced yoo-ang-ghel-id’-zo) – to announce good news specifically; adds the element of joyful content to the proclamation, while διαγγέλλω is more neutral regarding the nature of what’s proclaimed. See G2097
• καταγγέλλω (katangello, pronounced kat-ang-gel’-lo) – to proclaim, announce, declare; emphasizes the downward movement of the announcement (from authority to subjects), while διαγγέλλω focuses on the thoroughness of the announcement. See G2605
• ἀναγγέλλω (anangello, pronounced an-ang-gel’-lo) – to announce, report back, bring back word; focuses on reporting back information, while διαγγέλλω emphasizes spreading information outward. See G312
• μαρτυρέω (martureo, pronounced mar-too-reh’-o) – to bear witness, testify; focuses on personal attestation, while διαγγέλλω emphasizes the comprehensive proclamation of a message. See G3140

Did you Know?

• The Greek verb διαγγέλλω shares its root with our modern word “angel” (ἄγγελος/angelos in Greek), connecting the concept of thoroughly proclaiming a message with the divine messengers who bring God’s word to humanity. When believers “thoroughly proclaim” (διαγγέλλω) God’s kingdom, they participate in a ministry similar to that of angels—serving as messengers between God and humanity.
• In ancient royal courts, official διαγγέλλω proclamations would often be accompanied by trumpet blasts to gather attention before the announcement. This practice influenced early church traditions where important theological proclamations would be preceded by musical fanfare. This cultural connection highlights how the urgency and authority of διαγγέλλω shaped communication practices around important messages.
• The compound structure of διαγγέλλω (διά + ἀγγέλλω) creates a visual picture of a message penetrating through obstacles to reach its destination. First-century believers would have understood this word as implying not just speaking a message, but ensuring it breaks through barriers to accomplish its purpose. This helps explain why Yeshua chose this specific word when commissioning disciples to announce His kingdom—He expected the message to penetrate resistance and reach hearts effectively.

Remember This

Διαγγέλλω is not merely speaking words but thoroughly proclaiming a divine reality that penetrates hearts, transforms lives, and establishes God’s kingdom wherever it is faithfully announced.