from ἐπαγγέλλω; a self-committal (by assurance of conferring some good):--promise.
Transliteration:epángelma
Pronunciation:ep-ang'-el-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun epángelma (`{{G1862}}`) is derived from the verb epangéllō (`{{G1861}}`), meaning "to announce, promise, or profess." As a noun, epángelma denotes the *result* or *object* of such an announcement or promise. Its core meaning encapsulates a solemn declaration, an assurance, a pledge, or a binding commitment. The term inherently implies a reliable and trustworthy intention to confer some good. It is not a casual statement but rather a formal and weighty declaration, often carrying the force of an obligation or a guaranteed outcome from the one making the promise. The emphasis lies on the assured bestowal of a benefit or the certain fulfillment of a declared intention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term epángelma (`{{G1862}}`) appears exclusively in the Second Epistle of Peter within the New Testament, highlighting its specific usage and theological weight in this context.
* **[[2 Peter 1:4]]**: "by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." Here, epángelma refers to the magnificent and exceedingly great promises made by God. These are not mere words but divine assurances that enable believers to participate in the divine nature and escape the pervasive corruption of the world. The context underscores the transformative power and profound spiritual benefits conveyed through God's reliable commitments.
* **[[2 Peter 3:9]]**: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." In this instance, epángelma refers to the Lord's promise of His coming (the Parousia), often associated with the promise of a new heavens and a new earth. The verse addresses skepticism regarding the delay of Christ's return, affirming God's faithfulness to His word. The perceived "slowness" is reinterpreted as divine patience, offering more time for humanity to come to repentance. This usage emphasizes the certainty of God's eschatological plan and His merciful character in its unfolding.
In both occurrences, epángelma consistently refers to God's promises, underscoring their divine origin, immense value, and certain fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of epángelma (`{{G1862}}`) is closely intertwined with other Greek terms related to divine declarations and commitments:
* **epangéllō (`{{G1861}}`)**: This is the verb from which epángelma is derived. It means "to promise, announce, or proclaim." epángelma is the substantive outcome of the action of epangéllō, representing the promise itself. Understanding the verb's active nature helps to grasp the binding quality of the noun.
* **epangelia (`{{G1860}}`)**: This is another, much more frequent, Greek noun for "promise" in the New Testament. While both epangelia and epángelma are translated as "promise," epangelia often refers to the broader divine covenantal promises, such as the Abrahamic promise or the promise of the Holy Spirit. epángelma, appearing exclusively in 2 Peter, seems to carry a specific nuance of a formal, explicit assurance or a concrete pledge that confers a specific good or outcome. It might emphasize the *content* or *result* of the promise more directly than the general concept of a promise.
* **Concepts**: The word is deeply connected to theological concepts such as God's faithfulness (pistis), His trustworthiness, divine assurance, hope, and the certainty of eschatological fulfillment. It also touches upon the concept of divine participation, as believers are enabled to partake in the divine nature through these promises.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of epángelma (`{{G1862}}`) is profound, particularly given its exclusive use in 2 Peter, a letter concerned with Christian conduct, false teaching, and the certainty of Christ's return.
1. **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**: The term powerfully underscores the steadfastness and reliability of God. His epángelma is not a casual word but a binding commitment that He will assuredly fulfill. This reinforces the biblical portrayal of God as utterly trustworthy and true to His word.
2. **Foundation for Christian Hope and Assurance**: God's "precious and very great promises" (2 Peter 1:4) serve as the bedrock for Christian hope. They provide the assurance that believers can indeed escape corruption and partake in the divine nature, offering a profound basis for spiritual transformation and sanctification.
3. **Certainty of Eschatological Fulfillment**: In the face of skepticism regarding the Lord's return, epángelma in 2 Peter 3:9 affirms the absolute certainty of Christ's second coming and the associated judgment and new creation. This promise anchors the Christian understanding of the future and provides motivation for holy living.
4. **Divine Patience and Grace**: The delay in the fulfillment of the eschatological epángelma is reinterpreted as an expression of God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance. This reveals a gracious aspect of God's character even in the context of His unshakeable commitments.
5. **Transformative Power**: The promises themselves are presented as instrumental in the believer's spiritual growth, enabling participation in the divine nature. This highlights the active and life-changing power inherent in God's declared word.
### Summary
Epángelma (`{{G1862}}`) denotes a solemn, binding declaration or assurance from God, emphasizing the reliability and trustworthiness of the one making the promise. Appearing exclusively in 2 Peter, it refers to God's "precious and very great promises" that facilitate believers' participation in the divine nature ([[2 Peter 1:4]]) and the certain, though patiently delayed, promise of Christ's return ([[2 Peter 3:9]]). Theologically, epángelma powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness, provides a secure foundation for Christian hope and assurance, underscores the certainty of eschatological events, and highlights the transformative power and gracious patience embedded within God's divine commitments. It is a word that speaks to the unshakeable nature of God's word and His redemptive plan for humanity.
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