from εὖ and ἄγγελος; to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel:--declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō), Strong's number `{{G2097}}`, is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "well" or "good," and ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning "messenger" or "one who announces." Thus, its core meaning is "to announce good news" or "to bring glad tidings." This foundational sense encompasses any declaration of a joyful or beneficial message. However, its semantic range in the New Testament narrows significantly to primarily denote the proclamation of the *Gospel* of Jesus Christ. It is the act of "evangelizing" in the theological sense, actively declaring the good news of salvation. The verb implies a verbal, public, and often authoritative declaration, distinguishing it from mere knowledge or private communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὐαγγελίζω appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Lukan writings (Luke and Acts) and the Pauline epistles, underscoring its importance for the early Christian movement.
* **Old Testament Background (LXX):** In the Septuagint (LXX), euangelízō often translates the Hebrew verb בָּשַׂר (basar), meaning "to bring good news." A prominent example is [[Isaiah 52:7]], which speaks of "him who brings good news, who publishes peace," a verse often seen as prefiguring the ministry of Christ and His followers. This connection highlights a continuity of divine revelation culminating in the Gospel.
* **Ministry of Jesus:** Jesus Himself is depicted as one who euangelízō. For instance, in [[Luke 4:18]], He declares His mission to "preach good news to the poor," fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. Similarly, in [[Luke 7:22]], His disciples are instructed to tell John the Baptist that "the poor have good news preached to them."
* **Angelic Proclamation:** An angel euangelízō the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, declaring, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" ([[Luke 2:10]]). This highlights the divine origin and universal scope of the good news.
* **Apostolic Mission:** The verb is central to describing the evangelistic activity of the apostles and early believers. Philip euangelízō the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ in Samaria ([[Acts 8:12]]). Paul and Barnabas euangelízō the gospel in various cities ([[Acts 14:7]], [[Acts 16:10]]). This demonstrates that euangelízō was the primary mode of spreading the Christian message.
* **Pauline Theology:** For Paul, euangelízō is not merely an option but a divine compulsion and a sacred trust. He asserts, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" ([[1 Corinthians 9:16]]). He warns against preaching "a different gospel" ([[Galatians 1:8-9]]), emphasizing the singular truth and authority of the message he proclaimed. Christ Himself euangelízō peace to those far off and those near ([[Ephesians 2:17]]), signifying the reconciliation accomplished through His death and resurrection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of εὐαγγελίζω is enriched by examining its relationship with other key terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G2098}}` (εὐαγγέλιον - euangelion):** This is the direct noun form, meaning "the good news" or "the Gospel" itself. The verb euangelízō is the act of proclaiming this euangelion. The two are inextricably linked, with the verb describing the action and the noun describing the content.
* **`{{G2099}}` (εὐαγγελιστής - euangelistēs):** This noun refers to an "evangelist," one who euangelízō, i.e., a preacher of the good news. Philip ([[Acts 21:8]]) and Timothy ([[2 Timothy 4:5]]) are examples of those who fulfilled this role.
* **`{{G2784}}` (κηρύσσω - kēryssō):** Meaning "to proclaim as a herald" or "to preach." While often used synonymously with euangelízō in contexts of Gospel proclamation, kēryssō emphasizes the public, authoritative, and formal nature of the announcement, whereas euangelízō specifically highlights the *goodness* of the news being declared.
* **`{{G4102}}` (πίστις - pistis):** Faith. The good news preached through euangelízō demands a response of faith for salvation ([[Romans 1:16]]).
* **`{{G1344}}` (δικαιόω - dikaioō):** To justify. The content of the good news often leads to justification by faith ([[Romans 3:28]]).
* **Concepts:** The act of euangelízō is deeply connected to the concepts of salvation, redemption, the Kingdom of God, peace with God, and reconciliation, all of which constitute the core message of the good news.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐαγγελίζω is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Initiative and Revelation:** The very act of euangelízō underscores that the Gospel is not a human invention or philosophy, but a divine revelation. It is God's gracious initiative to communicate His saving plan to humanity. The good news originates with God and is delivered through His chosen messengers.
* **Centrality of the Gospel:** The pervasive use of this verb in the New Testament highlights that the proclamation of the Gospel is not merely one task among many for the Church, but its defining and primary mission. It is the "power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" ([[Romans 1:16]]).
* **Universal Scope:** The good news is for "all people" ([[Luke 2:10]]), transcending ethnic, social, and economic barriers. It is preached to the poor, to Jews and Gentiles, demonstrating God's inclusive love and desire for all to come to repentance and faith.
* **Call to Response and Transformation:** Euangelízō is not merely an informative act but a transformative one. The proclamation of the good news calls for a decisive response of repentance, faith, and obedience, leading to spiritual regeneration and a new life in Christ. It invites individuals into a reconciled relationship with God and participation in His Kingdom.
* **Apostolic Mandate and Stewardship:** For the apostles and, by extension, all believers, euangelízō represents a sacred trust and an imperative command ([[Mark 16:15]]). It is a stewardship for which one is accountable ([[1 Corinthians 9:17]]), and a divine necessity ([[1 Corinthians 9:16]]). The Church's existence and mission are inherently tied to this ongoing proclamation.
### Summary
The Greek verb εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, `{{G2097}}`) literally means "to announce good news." While encompassing any glad tidings, its primary and overwhelming usage in the New Testament refers specifically to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This verb describes the active, verbal declaration of God's saving work, as exemplified by the ministry of Jesus, the angelic announcement of His birth, and the missionary endeavors of the early Church. It is inextricably linked to the noun `{{G2098}}` (euangelion), "the good news" itself. Theologically, euangelízō signifies God's divine initiative in revealing His salvation plan, emphasizing the Gospel's centrality to Christian faith and practice, its universal scope, and its transformative power. It underscores the ongoing mandate for believers to faithfully declare the life-changing message of Christ's kingdom and peace to all humanity.
TRV