### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐξαγγέλλω (exangéllō, `{{G1804}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out from" or "forth," and the verb ἀγγέλλω (angellō), meaning "to announce" or "to report." The root of ἀγγέλλω is ἄγγελος (angelos), "messenger." Therefore, the core meaning of ἐξαγγέλλω is "to announce out," "to proclaim forth," or "to publish abroad."
The addition of the ἐκ prefix intensifies the act of announcement, emphasizing a public, outward, and often comprehensive declaration. It moves beyond mere reporting to a full and open disclosure. The nuance of "to celebrate" or "to shew forth," as indicated in the base definition, suggests that this proclamation is not neutral but carries a positive, perhaps even exultant, tone. It is a making known of something worthy of honor, praise, or admiration. The semantic range thus includes:
* To proclaim publicly.
* To declare openly and fully.
* To publish widely.
* To celebrate or make known the excellencies of someone or something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐξαγγέλλω (exangéllō, `{{G1804}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, but this singular occurrence is profoundly significant for understanding its theological weight.
* **[[1 Peter 2:9]]**: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim (ἐξαγγέλλω) the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
In this pivotal verse, Peter addresses believers, identifying their unique corporate identity as God's redeemed people. This identity—"a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession"—is rooted in Old Testament descriptions of Israel (e.g., [[Exodus 19:5-6]], [[Isaiah 43:20-21]]). The purpose (ὅπως, "so that") for which they have been granted this exalted status is precisely to ἐξαγγέλλω the "excellencies" (ἀρετὰς, aretas) of God.
The "excellencies" here refer to God's virtues, perfections, praiseworthy attributes, and mighty acts of salvation. The context "who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" specifically points to God's redemptive work through Christ. Thus, the proclamation is a grateful and public declaration of God's character and saving power, made manifest in the lives of those He has redeemed. The use of ἐξαγγέλλω emphasizes that this proclamation is to be an outward, public, and full declaration, not a private or reserved acknowledgment. It is a corporate witness to the world of God's glorious nature and His saving deeds.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate ἐξαγγέλλω, it is helpful to consider its relationship to other Greek words for proclamation and announcement:
* **ἀγγέλλω (angellō, `{{G31}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to announce" or "to report." ἐξαγγέλλω adds the dimension of "outward" and "public" declaration.
* **ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō, `{{G312}}`)**: "To report back," "to announce," often implying a declaration of something learned or experienced.
* **καταγγέλλω (katangellō, `{{G2605}}`)**: "To proclaim," "to preach," often with the sense of declaring something "down" or "throughout." This word is frequently used for preaching the gospel.
* **εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, `{{G2097}}`)**: "To preach good news," "to evangelize." This word specifically denotes the proclamation of the gospel message.
* **κηρύσσω (kēryssō, `{{G2784}}`)**: "To preach," "to proclaim as a herald." This emphasizes the authoritative and public nature of the announcement.
While all these terms involve proclamation, ἐξαγγέλλω in [[1 Peter 2:9]] carries a unique nuance. It is not merely reporting information (ἀγγέλλω), nor primarily preaching the gospel for conversion (εὐαγγελίζω, κηρύσσω), nor even necessarily teaching doctrine (καταγγέλλω). Instead, it is the *showing forth* or *celebrating* of God's inherent perfections and mighty acts. It is a public display of His character and power, flowing from the transformed lives of His people. The "outward" aspect of ἐκ suggests that this proclamation is directed towards the world, making God's glory visible to all.
The concept of ἐξαγγέλλω is deeply intertwined with biblical themes of:
* **Witness**: The Church's role as a testimony to God's nature.
* **Praise and Worship**: The act of declaring God's excellencies is itself an act of adoration.
* **Glorification**: The purpose of the Church is to bring glory to God by revealing His attributes.
* **Mission**: The outward orientation implies a missional purpose for the redeemed community.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐξαγγέλλω in [[1 Peter 2:9]] elevates it to a crucial term for understanding the very purpose and mission of the Church. The theological significance can be summarized as follows:
1. **Divine Purpose for the Redeemed**: The Church's identity as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. That end is to ἐξαγγέλλω—to publicly declare and celebrate—the excellencies of God. This makes the proclamation of God's character a fundamental, non-negotiable aspect of the Church's existence.
2. **Response to Salvation**: The call to ἐξαγγέλλω is directly linked to God's salvific act: "Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." The Church's proclamation is therefore a grateful and joyful response to the grace and power of God experienced in personal redemption. It is a testimony born out of transformation.
3. **Nature of the Proclamation**: The object of ἐξαγγέλλω is God's "excellencies" (ἀρετὰς). This refers to His moral perfections, His power, His wisdom, His love, and His mighty deeds (especially the calling out of darkness into light). It is a declaration of *who God is* and *what God has done*, particularly in Christ. This goes beyond merely preaching a message; it involves living a life that exemplifies and articulates God's praiseworthiness.
4. **Corporate Witness**: The "you" in [[1 Peter 2:9]] is plural, indicating that this is a corporate responsibility of the entire community of believers. The Church as a whole is called to be a living demonstration and vocal declaration of God's glory to the world.
5. **Continuity with Old Testament**: This verse draws heavily on Old Testament themes of Israel as God's peculiar people, set apart to manifest His glory to the nations. The New Testament Church inherits and fulfills this purpose, but now through the finished work of Christ.
In essence, ἐξαγγέλλω defines the Church's primary vocation: to be a people who not only experience God's greatness but also actively and publicly make that greatness known to a world still in darkness.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐξαγγέλλω (exangéllō, `{{G1804}}`) signifies a public, outward, and full declaration, often with a celebratory or honorific intent. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Peter 2:9]], its placement is profoundly significant. There, it describes the core purpose of the redeemed community—the Church—as being to "proclaim" or "shew forth" the "excellencies" (ἀρετὰς) of God. This act of proclamation is a direct response to God's gracious calling "out of darkness into His marvelous light." Theologically, ἐξαγγέλλω underscores that the Church's identity is inextricably linked to its mission: to be a corporate witness that publicly celebrates and makes known the character, perfections, and mighty saving acts of God to the world, thereby bringing Him glory.
TRV