from ἐπί and the base of ἄγγελος; to announce upon (reflexively), i.e. (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself:--profess, (make) promise.
Transliteration:epangéllō
Pronunciation:ep-ang-el'-lo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1861}}` (epangéllō) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "to," and the root of ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning "messenger" or "one who announces." Thus, its core etymological sense is "to announce upon" or "to proclaim to." The base definition provided further clarifies this as "to announce upon (reflexively)," which means to make a declaration concerning oneself or to oneself.
From this core, the semantic range expands to encompass several significant nuances:
1. **To Announce/Proclaim:** The most basic sense of making something known publicly or formally.
2. **To Promise/Pledge:** This is the dominant usage in the New Testament. It signifies a solemn declaration of intent to do something, often implying a commitment or engagement. When God is the subject, it denotes a divine pledge or covenantal assurance.
3. **To Profess/Assert:** To declare openly or formally one's adherence to a belief, a way of life, or a claim. This can refer to a public statement of faith or a claim of knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1861}}` appears numerous times in the New Testament, with its meaning largely determined by the subject of the verb.
When God is the subject, `{{G1861}}` consistently refers to His faithful and unbreakable promises:
* In [[Romans 4:21]], Paul speaks of Abraham's faith, being "fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (`{{G1861}}`). This highlights God's power and reliability.
* The author of Hebrews frequently emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises. For instance, [[Hebrews 10:23]] exhorts believers to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Similarly, [[Hebrews 11:11]] notes Sarah's faith, believing "that he who had promised was faithful."
* In the Pastoral Epistles, God's eternal nature is linked to His promises. [[Titus 1:2]] speaks of "the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began."
* The eschatological hope of believers is also framed in terms of God's promise. [[James 1:12]] states that the one who endures trial will receive "the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him." Likewise, [[James 2:5]] refers to "the kingdom that he promised to those who love him." And fundamentally, [[1 John 2:25]] declares, "And this is the promise that he himself made to us—eternal life."
When humans are the subject, `{{G1861}}` can refer to human promises, which may or may not be kept, or to professions:
* In [[Mark 14:11]], it describes the chief priests' agreement to give Judas money for betraying Jesus: "And when they heard it, they were glad and promised (`{{G1861}}`) to give him money." Here, it is a human agreement.
* In the Pastoral Epistles, `{{G1861}}` is used to describe a public declaration or profession. [[1 Timothy 2:10]] speaks of women who "profess (`{{G1861}}`) godliness," indicating an outward claim to a certain way of life.
* Tragically, [[1 Timothy 6:21]] warns against those who, "by professing (`{{G1861}}`) it, have swerved from the faith." This highlights the danger of a mere outward profession without genuine inward commitment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{G1861}}` is its noun form, `{{G1860}}` (epangelia), which means "promise." This noun is far more frequent in the New Testament and almost exclusively refers to God's promises, underscoring the theological weight of `{{G1861}}` when God is the subject.
Other related terms and concepts include:
* `{{G3670}}` (homologeō): "to confess," "to agree," "to profess." While similar to `{{G1861}}` in the sense of making a public declaration, homologeō often emphasizes agreement or acknowledgment, whereas `{{G1861}}` carries a stronger sense of commitment or pledge.
* `{{G4293}}` (proepangéllomai): "to promise beforehand." This compound intensifies the aspect of a prior commitment.
* `{{G2645}}` (katangéllō): "to proclaim," "to announce." Shares the angelos root but focuses on the act of declaration rather than a binding promise.
* `{{G2097}}` (euangelizō): "to preach good news." Also shares the angelos root, highlighting the message aspect.
The concept of divine covenant is intimately linked to `{{G1861}}`, as God's promises form the basis of His covenantal relationship with humanity. Faithfulness, hope, and trust are also key concepts, as the believer's response to God's `{{G1861}}` is to believe and hope in His word.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1861}}` is profound, primarily because of its frequent application to God's character and actions. When God `{{G1861}}`, He is not merely making a statement, but issuing a binding, irrevocable pledge. This undergirds several crucial theological tenets:
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Truthfulness:** God's promises are the ultimate demonstration of His unwavering faithfulness (`{{H539}}` / `{{G4103}}`) and truthfulness (`{{H571}}` / `{{G225}}`). Unlike human promises, which can be broken, God's `{{G1861}}` cannot fail because He is inherently true and powerful enough to fulfill all His declarations. This provides immense security for the believer.
2. **Foundation of Salvation History:** From the promise to Abraham ([[Acts 7:5]]) to the promise of the Holy Spirit and eternal life, God's `{{G1861}}` forms the bedrock of His redemptive plan. The entire narrative of salvation is a unfolding of God's promises being fulfilled in Christ.
3. **Basis for Hope and Faith:** Because God is faithful to what He `{{G1861}}`, believers can place their hope and faith confidently in Him. The Christian life is one lived in anticipation of the complete fulfillment of God's promises, particularly the promise of eternal life and the return of Christ.
4. **Integrity of Human Profession:** While God's promises are infallible, human "professions" (`{{G1861}}`) are subject to scrutiny. The use of `{{G1861}}` in passages like [[1 Timothy 2:10]] and [[1 Timothy 6:21]] serves as a reminder that outward declarations of faith must be accompanied by genuine inward transformation and consistent living. A mere profession without corresponding action is hollow and potentially dangerous.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1861}}` (epangéllō) fundamentally means "to announce" or "to declare." In the New Testament, its most significant usage is "to promise" or "to pledge," especially when referring to God. God's `{{G1861}}` are seen as absolutely reliable, demonstrating His faithfulness, truthfulness, and power, and forming the very foundation of salvation history and the believer's hope. When applied to humans, `{{G1861}}` can describe a simple agreement or, more significantly, a public "profession" of faith or a way of life, highlighting the importance of integrity between one's declared beliefs and one's actions. The study of `{{G1861}}` thus profoundly illuminates the trustworthy character of God and the necessary sincerity of human discipleship.
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