### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, `{{G2098}}`) is a compound term derived from εὖ (eu), meaning "good" or "well," and ἄγγελος (angelos), meaning "messenger." Thus, its most literal and foundational meaning is "good message" or "good news."
In classical Greek, euangélion could refer to a message of victory in war, the announcement of a king's birth, or any tidings that brought joy and relief. It often carried the connotation of a significant, positive public announcement. The Septuagint (LXX) occasionally uses the related verb εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, `{{G2097}}`) to translate the Hebrew בָּשַׂר (basar, `{{H1319}}`), particularly in prophetic contexts like [[Isaiah 52:7]], where it speaks of proclaiming "good news" of salvation and peace. This usage begins to bridge the classical understanding with a more theological dimension.
In the New Testament, euangélion undergoes a profound semantic transformation, becoming a technical term almost exclusively referring to the unique and ultimate "good news" of God's redemptive work in and through Jesus Christ. It is not merely *a* good message, but *the* good message concerning God's kingdom, salvation, and reconciliation with humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term euangélion appears over 75 times in the New Testament, serving as a central pillar of its theological discourse.
In the Synoptic Gospels, euangélion often appears as "the gospel of the kingdom of God" ([[Mark 1:14]], [[Matthew 4:23]], [[Luke 4:43]]). Here, it signifies the announcement that God's sovereign rule has drawn near and is being inaugurated through Jesus' ministry, teachings, and miracles. It is the good news that God is actively intervening in human history to establish His reign.
Paul, the most frequent user of the term, employs euangélion to denote the specific message of salvation by grace through faith in the crucified and resurrected Christ. He refers to it as "the gospel of God" ([[Romans 1:1]], [[2 Corinthians 11:7]]), emphasizing its divine origin, and "the gospel of Christ" ([[Romans 1:16]], [[1 Corinthians 9:12]]), highlighting its Christ-centric content. Paul also speaks of "my gospel" ([[Romans 2:16]], [[Romans 16:25]]), not indicating personal ownership, but rather the particular understanding and commission he received to proclaim the gospel's universal scope—that it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, Jew and Gentile alike ([[Romans 1:16]]). For Paul, the gospel reveals God's righteousness and demands a response of faith.
In the book of Acts, euangélion describes the core message preached by the apostles as they spread the Christian faith. It is the proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, the Lord, and the source of forgiveness of sins and new life ([[Acts 8:25]], [[Acts 15:7]]).
Finally, in Revelation, euangélion is depicted as "the eternal gospel" ([[Revelation 14:6]]), a universal message proclaimed by an angel to all inhabitants of the earth, calling them to worship God before the final judgment. This signifies the timeless and all-encompassing nature of God's redemptive truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, `{{G2097}}`):** The verbal form, meaning "to preach the good news" or "to evangelize." This verb describes the act of proclaiming the euangélion. The message (noun) necessitates the proclamation (verb).
* **κήρυγμα (kērygma, `{{G2782}}`):** "Proclamation" or "preaching." The kērygma is often the content of the euangélion when it is publicly declared.
* **βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ (basileia tou theou):** "Kingdom of God." The euangélion is intimately linked with the announcement and inauguration of God's kingdom. The good news is that God's reign has broken into human history through Christ.
* **σωτηρία (sōtēria, `{{G4991}}`):** "Salvation." The euangélion is the divine message that brings about salvation. It is God's means of delivering humanity from sin, death, and judgment.
* **πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`):** "Faith." The euangélion is received and responded to through faith. Faith is the necessary human response to God's gracious offer of salvation presented in the gospel.
* **χάρις (charis, `{{G5485}}`):** "Grace." The euangélion is fundamentally a message of God's unmerited favor and love, extended to humanity through Christ. It is the demonstration of divine grace.
### Theological Significance
The euangélion holds paramount theological significance within Christian thought:
* **Divine Origin and Initiative:** The gospel is not a human invention or philosophy, but a revelation originating from God Himself ([[Romans 1:1]]). It is the embodiment of His eternal purpose to redeem humanity.
* **Christ-Centeredness:** At its core, the euangélion is about Jesus Christ. It proclaims His identity as God's Son, His sacrificial death for sins, His victorious resurrection, His ascension, and His future return. Christ is both the subject and the object of the good news.
* **Power for Salvation:** The euangélion is uniquely described as "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" ([[Romans 1:16]]). It is not merely information, but a dynamic, transformative force that delivers individuals from the dominion of sin and death, reconciling them to God.
* **Universal Scope and Inclusivity:** While rooted in God's covenant with Israel, the euangélion transcends all ethnic, social, and cultural barriers. It is intended for "every nation, tribe, tongue, and people" ([[Revelation 14:6]]), offering reconciliation to all who believe.
* **Call to Response:** The proclamation of the euangélion is always an invitation demanding a decisive response: repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ ([[Mark 1:15]], [[Acts 20:21]]). It calls for a radical reorientation of one's life towards God.
* **Foundation of Christian Life and Mission:** The euangélion serves as the constant foundation for the believer's life, providing assurance, shaping ethics, and compelling mission. It is the truth by which believers stand and the message they are commissioned to proclaim to the world.
### Summary
The Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, `{{G2098}}`) denotes "good news" or "good message." While it had broader applications in classical antiquity, in the New Testament it is singularly consecrated to refer to the divine, transformative "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ. This euangélion is the very power of God, originating from His eternal purpose, centered on the person and redemptive work of Jesus, and proclaiming the advent of God's kingdom. Its proclamation, the act of εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, `{{G2097}}`), calls for a response of repentance and faith from all humanity, serving as the foundational truth for Christian life, mission, and hope.
TRV