### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epangelía**, represented by `{{G1860}}`, is a pivotal term for **promise**. It appears 53 times across 51 unique verses, primarily signifying a divine assurance of good. While it can mean a general **message** [[1 John 1:5]], its dominant use in scripture refers to a solemn pledge or announcement from God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1860}}` establishes the foundation of God's covenant relationship with humanity. It is used to describe the foundational assurances given to the patriarchs, as when the **promises** were made to Abraham and his **seed** `{{G4690}}` [[Galatians 3:16]]. This theme extends to the New Covenant, where Christ is the mediator who allows those who are **called** `{{G2564}}` to "receive the **promise** of eternal inheritance" [[Hebrews 9:15]]. A key fulfillment of this is the "promise of the Father," identified as the Holy Spirit, which believers are to receive ([[Luke 24:49]], [[Acts 1:4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the nature of God's promises:
* `{{G1861}}` **epangéllō** (to promise): The verb form from which **epangelía** is derived. It describes the act of making the pledge, as in, "this is the promise that he hath **promised** us, even eternal life" [[1 John 2:25]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): Scripture consistently links faith as the means of receiving the promise, distinguishing it from works of the law. Believers receive the "**promise** of the Spirit through **faith**" [[Galatians 3:14]].
* `{{G2818}}` **klēronómos** (heir): This word defines the status of those who receive the promise. Believers in Christ are considered Abraham's seed and "**heirs** according to the **promise**" [[Galatians 3:29]].
* `{{G1012}}` **boulḗ** (counsel): This term reveals that God's promise is an expression of His unchanging purpose. God, to show the "immutability of his **counsel**," confirmed his **promise** with an oath [[Hebrews 6:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1860}}` is immense, shaping core Christian doctrines.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The promises of God are absolutely certain because of His nature. All the **promises** of God in Christ are "**yea** `{{G3483}}`, and in him **Amen** `{{G281}}`" [[2 Corinthians 1:20]]. The Lord is not slack concerning his **promise**, but is **longsuffering** `{{G3114}}` [[2 Peter 3:9]].
* **Inheritance by Grace:** The promise is the basis of a believer's inheritance, received by grace through faith, not by works. If the inheritance is by the law, it is no longer by **promise**; but God gave it to Abraham by **promise** [[Galatians 3:18]]. If it depended on the law, "**faith** `{{G4102}}` is made void, and the **promise** made of none effect" [[Romans 4:14]].
* **Fulfillment in Christ and the Spirit:** The promises find their ultimate realization in Christ, the seed to whom they were made [[Galatians 3:16]]. Through Him, Gentiles become "partakers of his **promise**" [[Ephesians 3:6]]. The Holy Spirit is called the "Spirit of **promise**," who seals believers [[Ephesians 1:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1860}}` is far more than a simple pledge. It is a cornerstone of biblical theology, defining God's unshakeable covenant commitment, the nature of salvation by faith, and the believer's hope. From the foundational **promises** made to the fathers [[Romans 15:8]] to the **promise** of life in Christ Jesus [[2 Timothy 1:1]], **epangelía** frames the entire redemptive plan of God.
TRV