from ἐπαγγέλλω; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good):--message, promise.
Transliteration:epangelía
Pronunciation:ep-ang-el-ee'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun epangelía (G1860) is derived from the verb epangéllō (`{{G1861}}`), meaning "to announce," "to proclaim," or "to promise." At its most basic, epangelía signifies an "announcement" or "declaration." However, its semantic range in the New Testament extends significantly beyond a mere statement of fact. It often carries the weight of:
* **A formal declaration or assurance:** This can be a simple notification, but more profoundly, it denotes a solemn undertaking.
* **A pledge or commitment:** Indicating a binding vow or agreement.
* **Specifically, a divine assurance of good:** This is its most prominent and theologically rich usage, referring to God's unfailing, future-oriented declaration of blessing or fulfillment. In this sense, it is almost exclusively translated as "promise," emphasizing divine initiative, trustworthiness, and a guaranteed outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
epangelía appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles and the book of Hebrews, where it plays a crucial role in shaping theological arguments.
* **The Abrahamic Promise:** Paul extensively employs epangelía to articulate the divine covenant with Abraham. In Galatians, the promise given to Abraham is presented as prior to and distinct from the Law, received by faith, not by works ([[Galatians 3:14]], [[Galatians 3:17]], [[Galatians 3:18]], [[Galatians 3:21]], [[Galatians 3:22]], [[Galatians 3:29]]). This highlights God's unmerited favor and the inclusion of Gentiles through faith in Christ. Romans further elaborates on God's faithfulness to these promises, encompassing both Jew and Gentile ([[Romans 4:13]], [[Romans 4:14]], [[Romans 4:16]], [[Romans 9:8]], [[Romans 9:9]], [[Romans 15:8]]).
* **The Promise of the Holy Spirit:** A significant application of epangelía refers to the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for "the promise of the Father" ([[Luke 24:49]], [[Acts 1:4]]), which is fulfilled at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Spirit ([[Acts 2:33]], [[Acts 2:39]]). Receiving the Spirit by faith is directly linked to the Abrahamic promise ([[Galatians 3:14]]), and believers are sealed with "the promised Holy Spirit" ([[Ephesians 1:13]]).
* **Promise of Eternal Life and Salvation:** epangelía frequently points to the ultimate blessings of salvation and eternal life. God, who cannot lie, promised eternal life before time began ([[Titus 1:2]]). The book of Hebrews emphasizes that believers inherit the promises through faith and patience, striving for a better covenant built on better promises ([[Hebrews 4:1]], [[Hebrews 6:12]], [[Hebrews 6:13]], [[Hebrews 6:15]], [[Hebrews 7:6]], [[Hebrews 8:6]], [[Hebrews 9:15]], [[Hebrews 10:23]], [[Hebrews 11:9]], [[Hebrews 11:13]], [[Hebrews 11:17]], [[Hebrews 11:33]], [[Hebrews 11:39]], [[Hebrews 12:26]]). Peter notes that through God's "precious and very great promises," believers may become partakers of the divine nature ([[2 Peter 1:4]]).
* **Contrast with the Law:** In Paul's theology, epangelía is often contrasted with nomos (`{{G3551}}`, law). The promise is unconditional and based on grace, whereas the Law is conditional and based on human performance. The Law did not nullify the promise but served to reveal sin and lead humanity to Christ ([[Galatians 3:19]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **epangéllō (`{{G1861}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to promise" or "to announce." It describes the act of making the promise.
* **diathēkē (`{{G1242}}`):** Covenant. While a covenant is a formal agreement, often with conditions, God's promises often constitute or are integral to His unilateral covenantal declarations (e.g., the Abrahamic Covenant). The New Covenant is established on "better promises" ([[Hebrews 8:6]]).
* **pistis (`{{G4102}}`):** Faith. The indispensable means by which epangelía is received and appropriated. God's promises are apprehended through faith, not by human merit or adherence to legal codes.
* **klēronomia (`{{G2817}}`):** Inheritance. The content or outcome of many of God's promises, particularly the spiritual inheritance promised to Abraham and his spiritual descendants.
* **elpis (`{{G1680}}`):** Hope. The promises of God serve as the bedrock of Christian hope, providing assurance of future fulfillment and a confident expectation of God's good purposes.
### Theological Significance
The concept of epangelía is profoundly significant for Christian theology:
* **Divine Faithfulness:** It powerfully underscores God's absolute faithfulness and immutability. Unlike human promises, God's promises are guaranteed by His very nature and oath, making them utterly reliable ([[Hebrews 6:17-18]]).
* **Grace-Based Salvation:** epangelía is central to understanding salvation as a gracious gift, received through faith alone, apart from human works. This forms a cornerstone of the New Testament's doctrine of justification.
* **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** The promises reveal a consistent and unfolding redemptive plan throughout history, from the patriarchs to the consummation in Christ. The New Covenant fulfills and transcends the Old Testament promises, demonstrating God's unified purpose.
* **Foundation for Christian Hope:** epangelía provides a secure and living hope for believers, assuring them of future blessings, eternal life, and the coming of God's kingdom. It is the basis for perseverance and steadfastness in the face of trials.
* **Empowerment for Discipleship:** The promise of the Holy Spirit empowers believers for transformed living, effective witness, and service, enabling them to participate in God's divine nature and fulfill His will ([[2 Peter 1:4]]).
* **Christ as Fulfillment:** Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the "yes" and "amen" to all of God's promises ([[2 Corinthians 1:20]]). He is the promised Seed, the one through whom all divine promises find their ultimate realization, confirmation, and accessibility to humanity.
### Summary
epangelía (G1860) denotes a solemn divine announcement or pledge, most commonly understood as a "promise." It is a pivotal concept in the New Testament, highlighting God's unilateral, gracious, and faithful declaration of future good. Particularly in Pauline theology, it underscores the Abrahamic promise as preceding and distinct from the Law, received solely through faith. The promise of the Holy Spirit is a key manifestation, empowering believers and sealing their inheritance. epangelía forms the secure foundation of Christian hope, testifying to God's unwavering character and His consistent redemptive plan, which culminates in Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of every divine promise. The word thus emphasizes the grace-based nature of salvation and the absolute certainty of God's future blessings for those who believe.
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