The Greek word diangéllō, represented by G1229, means to herald thoroughly. It appears 3 times in 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries the sense to declare, preach, or signify, indicating a deliberate and comprehensive announcement.
In its biblical usage, G1229 conveys a sense of authoritative proclamation. It is used to describe how God's name would be declared throughout all the earth as a result of His dealings with Pharaoh Romans 9:17. Jesus uses the term when He commands a disciple to go and preach the kingdom of God, setting this task as a primary duty Luke 9:60. The word is also used in a procedural sense, as when Paul went to the temple to signify the completion of the days of purification before an offering was made Acts 21:26.
Several related words provide context for the act of proclaiming:
- G2036 épō (to speak or say): A primary verb for speaking. In Luke 9:60, Jesus first said to the man to let the dead bury their own dead before commanding him to go and preach the kingdom of God.
- G1731 endeíknymi (to indicate... show (forth)): This word for demonstrating or showing is used to explain the purpose of the declaration in Romans 9:17, where God raised up Pharaoh to shew His power, so His name might be declared.
- G565 apérchomai (to go off... depart): This verb of movement is directly tied to the mission of heralding. The command in Luke 9:60 is to go and preach, linking the physical act of departure with the spiritual act of proclamation.
The theological weight of G1229 is centered on the active communication of divine truth and purpose.
- Proclamation of Divine Sovereignty: The word is used to emphasize that God's actions in history serve a declarative purpose, so that His name and power might be heralded throughout the entire earth Romans 9:17.
- Mandate for Evangelism: Jesus' use of the word establishes a clear and urgent command for His followers. The instruction to preach the kingdom of God is presented as a non-negotiable priority Luke 9:60.
- Formal Religious Announcement: The use of G1229 in Acts highlights the importance of public, formal declarations within the community of faith, such as when Paul needed to signify the fulfillment of purification days before an offering could be made Acts 21:26.
In summary, G1229 is a specific and potent term for proclamation. It moves beyond simple speech to encompass the authoritative heralding of God's kingdom Luke 9:60, the widespread declaration of His name and power Romans 9:17, and the formal signification of religious observances Acts 21:26. The word underscores a call to announce divine truth thoroughly and publicly.
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