Understanding ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō) Strong’s G312: The Divine Act of Declaring and Proclaiming God’s Profound Truth

Pronunciation Guide: an-ang-el’-lo

Basic Definition

Strong’s G312: ἀναγγέλλω is a compound verb that means to announce, report, or declare, especially in the context of proclaiming divine truth or reporting significant events. It carries the sense of bringing news from a higher source or authority with thoroughness and solemnity. The word emphasizes both the completeness of the report and the authority behind the message being delivered.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + ἀγγέλλω (to announce, proclaim)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in both classical and Koine Greek literature
• Frequently used in contexts of divine revelation and apostolic teaching

ἀναγγέλλω Morphology:

• ἀναγγέλλω (present active indicative) – I declare/announce
• ἀναγγελῶ (future active indicative) – I will declare/announce
• ἀνήγγειλα (aorist active indicative) – I declared/announced
• ἀναγγεῖλαι (aorist active infinitive) – to declare/announce
• ἀναγγελθήσεται (future passive indicative) – it will be declared/announced

Origin & History

The word ἀναγγέλλω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in contexts of official proclamations and formal reports. In works like Herodotus’s Histories, it frequently appears when messengers bring news to authorities or when oracles deliver divine messages.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἀναγγέλλω became a significant term for prophetic proclamation, often translating the Hebrew verb נָגַד (nagad). It appears prominently in Isaiah’s prophetic announcements (e.g., Isaiah 42:9) where it describes יהוה (Yahweh)’s declaration of new things before they spring forth.

The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Rome in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, employed ἀναγγέλλω when discussing the apostles’ proclamation of the gospel and the transmission of divine truth to the churches.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To announce or report thoroughly, emphasizing complete and detailed communication
• To declare with authority, particularly divine or apostolic messages
• To bring back word, implying return with news from another source
• To proclaim or herald, especially in religious contexts
• To recount or relate in detail, emphasizing thoroughness

ἀναγγέλλω Translation Options:

• “To declare fully” – Best when emphasizing the completeness of the proclamation
• “To report back” – Appropriate when indicating return with news
• “To proclaim” – Suitable for contexts of authoritative announcement
• “To announce in detail” – Useful when thoroughness is emphasized
• “To relate thoroughly” – Helpful when detailed communication is in view

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναγγέλλω appears prominently in contexts where divine truth is being proclaimed or when significant spiritual realities are being reported. The word often carries a sense of authority and completeness in its usage, particularly in apostolic contexts.

The term is especially significant in John’s writings, where it frequently appears in contexts of divine revelation and the proclamation of spiritual truth. It’s also notable in Acts, where it often describes the apostles’ reporting of God’s works and the proclamation of the gospel message.

• “Mark 5:14 – “And they that fed the pigs fled, and told [ἀνήγγειλαν] it in the city, and in the country.”
• “John 4:25 – “When He comes, He will declare [ἀναγγελεῖ] all things to us.”
• “John 16:13 – “He will show [ἀναγγελεῖ] you things to come.”
• “Acts 15:4 – “They declared [ἀνήγγειλαν] all things that God had done with them.”
• “Acts 19:18 – “Many that believed came, and confessed [ἀναγγέλλοντες], and showed their deeds.”

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, the role of the messenger was highly significant and often sacred. The ἄγγελος (messenger) carried not just information but the authority of the sender. The compound form ἀναγγέλλω enhanced this concept, suggesting a complete and authoritative declaration, often from a higher source to those below.

This connects deeply with the Jewish concept of the שָׁלִיחַ (shaliach) – an authorized messenger whose word carried the full weight of the sender’s authority. This cultural understanding illuminates why this term was chosen for contexts of divine revelation and apostolic proclamation in the New Testament.

Theological Significance

ἀναγγέλλω plays a crucial role in the New Testament’s presentation of divine revelation and the proclamation of truth. It emphasizes that God’s truth isn’t merely suggested or offered, but authoritatively declared and thoroughly communicated. This is particularly evident in John 16:13-15, where the Holy Spirit’s ministry of declaring truth is described using this term.

The word also highlights the completeness of God’s revelation. When the Messiah Jesus or His apostles ἀναγγέλλω something, it carries the sense of full, authoritative declaration that leaves nothing essential uncommunicated. This reflects God’s character as One who reveals Himself clearly and completely to His people.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναγγέλλω challenges us to consider how we receive and transmit divine truth. When God’s Word is proclaimed, it comes with divine authority and completeness – not as mere suggestion or partial truth. This should affect both how we listen to biblical teaching and how we share it with others.

As believers, we’re called to be faithful messengers of what God has revealed. Like the apostles who used ἀναγγέλλω to describe their ministry, we should aim to communicate God’s truth thoroughly and faithfully, recognizing that we speak with delegated divine authority when we accurately share His Word.

Related Words

• κηρύσσω (kēryssō) – to herald or proclaim publicly, focuses more on public proclamation rather than detailed reporting. See G2784
• καταγγέλλω (katangellō) – to proclaim thoroughly, emphasizes proclamation with authority downward. See G2605
• εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) – to announce good news, specifically focuses on proclaiming the gospel. See G2097
• λαλέω (laleō) – to speak or talk, a more general term for verbal communication. See G2980

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek diplomatic correspondence, ἀναγγέλλω was the technical term for ambassadors reporting back to their home city-state, emphasizing the official and complete nature of their report.
• The compound structure of ἀναγγέλλω (ἀνά + ἀγγέλλω) suggests movement upward or back, which might explain its frequent use in contexts where messengers return with news or where divine truth is brought down to human understanding.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀναγγέλλω in formal announcements and news reporting, maintaining its sense of authoritative declaration after thousands of years.

Remember This

ἀναγγέλλω represents the sovereign God’s commitment to thoroughly declare His truth through His appointed messengers, reminding us that divine revelation is neither partial nor uncertain but complete and authoritative.