from διά and the base of ἄγγελος; to herald thoroughly:--declare, preach, signify.
Transliteration:diangéllō
Pronunciation:de-ang-gel'-lo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαγγέλλω (diangéllō, `{{G1229}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (diá, `{{G1223}}`), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verbal root of ἄγγελος (ángelos, `{{G32}}`), meaning "messenger" or "to announce." Thus, the core meaning of διαγγέλλω conveys the idea of announcing or proclaiming *thoroughly*, *widely*, or *completely*. It signifies making something known across a broad scope, ensuring its message penetrates thoroughly or reaches all intended recipients. The base definition "to herald thoroughly" captures this essence, emphasizing not merely an announcement, but one that is comprehensive and far-reaching. Its semantic range includes "to declare," "to preach," and "to signify," all pointing to a public, often authoritative, and extensive communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διαγγέλλω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance highlighting the comprehensive nature of the proclamation:
1. **[[Luke 9:60]]**: In this passage, Jesus instructs a would-be disciple, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim (διαγγέλλω) the kingdom of God." Here, the imperative "go and proclaim" underscores the urgent and extensive nature of the disciple's mission. It is not a casual whisper but a widespread, thorough declaration of God's sovereign rule, intended to reach many. The emphasis is on the scope and earnestness of the proclamation.
2. **[[Acts 21:26]]**: Luke records that Paul, after taking the four men who had a vow, "went into the temple, declaring (διαγγέλλω) that the days of purification would be fulfilled for each one of them, and the offering presented for each one of them." In this context, Paul's declaration was a public, formal announcement within the temple precincts. It was a clear, unambiguous statement made to a specific audience, signifying that the period of their vow was drawing to a close and the necessary sacrifices would be made. The verb here implies making something fully and publicly known.
3. **[[Romans 9:17]]**: Paul quotes from Exodus 9:16, stating, "For this very purpose I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed (διαγγέλλω) in all the earth." This is perhaps the most potent use of the word, depicting God's sovereign purpose in raising up Pharaoh. God's intent was not merely for His power to be demonstrated, but for His name – His character, authority, and redemptive might – to be universally declared across the entire earth. The thoroughness implied by διαγγέλλω here points to the global, comprehensive reach of God's fame and glory.
Across these occurrences, διαγγέλλω consistently denotes a declaration that is not limited or partial, but rather extensive, public, and complete in its reach or content.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of διαγγέλλω can be further illuminated by examining its relationship to other Greek words for communication and proclamation:
* **ἀγγέλλω (angéllō, base of G1229)**: The simpler verb "to announce" or "to report." διαγγέλλω intensifies this basic meaning through the prefix διά, suggesting a more thorough or widespread announcement.
* **κηρύσσω (kērýssō, `{{G2784}}`)**: "To preach" or "to proclaim as a herald." While κηρύσσω often emphasizes the authoritative role of the herald and the public nature of the message, διαγγέλλω tends to emphasize the *extent* or *completeness* of the proclamation, its penetration "through" a given area or population.
* **εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, `{{G2097}}`)**: "To preach good news" or "to evangelize." This word specifically refers to the proclamation of the Gospel. While διαγγέλλω can be used in the context of proclaiming the Kingdom (as in Luke 9:60), its semantic range is broader than exclusively "good news."
* **ἀναγγέλλω (anangéllō, `{{G312}}`)**: "To report," "to announce back," or "to declare." This word often implies a report of something that has happened or been seen. διαγγέλλω carries a stronger sense of active, public dissemination.
* **λαλέω (laléō, `{{G2980}}`)**: "To speak" or "to talk." This is a general term for verbal communication. διαγγέλλω is much more specific, denoting a formal and widespread declaration.
The distinctiveness of διαγγέλλω lies in its inherent emphasis on the pervasive and complete nature of the announcement, signifying a message that is intended to penetrate thoroughly or reach its full intended scope.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαγγέλλω is profound, particularly in its implications for divine communication and human responsibility in spreading God's truth.
Firstly, the use of διαγγέλλω in relation to the Kingdom of God ([[Luke 9:60]]) highlights the comprehensive and urgent nature of the gospel commission. It is not enough to merely speak about the Kingdom; it must be *thoroughly proclaimed*, reaching into every corner and touching every life possible. This underscores the missional imperative for believers to be active, far-reaching heralds of God's reign and salvation.
Secondly, the declaration that God's name will be "proclaimed in all the earth" ([[Romans 9:17]]) speaks to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and His ultimate sovereignty. God's actions are not confined to a single nation or people; rather, His power and glory are to be made known globally. This points to the inherent missionary nature of God's character and His desire for all humanity to know Him. It implies that the demonstration of His power is intrinsically linked to its widespread announcement.
Finally, the thoroughness implied by διαγγέλλω suggests a divine intention for clarity and full disclosure. God desires His truth to be fully apprehended and widely disseminated, not hidden or partially revealed. This places a high value on clear, complete, and far-reaching communication of His will and character through His messengers.
### Summary
διαγγέλλω (diangéllō, `{{G1229}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying a thorough, widespread, or complete declaration. Formed from διά (through, thoroughly) and ἀγγέλλω (to announce), it emphasizes the extensive reach and comprehensive nature of a proclamation. In the New Testament, its three occurrences underscore the imperative to *thoroughly proclaim* the Kingdom of God ([[Luke 9:60]]), Paul's public *declaration* of purification fulfillment ([[Acts 21:26]]), and God's sovereign purpose for His name to be *proclaimed in all the earth* ([[Romans 9:17]]). Theologically, διαγγέλλω highlights God's desire for His truth to be universally known and the comprehensive responsibility of His people to participate in this far-reaching announcement, reflecting His global redemptive plan and sovereign glory.
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