καταγγέλλω

katangéllō /kat-ang-gel'-lo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and the base of ἄγγελος
Meaningto proclaim, promulgate
KJV usagedeclare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word katangéllō, represented by G2605, means to proclaim or promulgate. It is translated in various ways, including to declare, preach, shew, speak of, and teach. It appears 17 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its specific function in the announcement of divine truth.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, G2605 is central to the act of apostolic ministry and the spreading of the gospel. It is used to describe how the apostles would preach the word of God in synagogues Acts 13:5 and revisit cities where they had previously preached the word of the Lord Acts 15:36. Paul uses the term when he addresses the Athenians, stating his intent to declare to them the "UNKNOWN GOD" whom they ignorantly worship Acts 17:23. The action is not just verbal; believers also shew the Lord's death through the ordinance of communion until he comes 1 Corinthians 11:26.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller context for the act of proclaiming:

  • G1321 didáskō (to teach): Proclaiming is often accompanied by teaching. In his ministry, Paul would preach G2605 Christ while also teaching every man in all wisdom Colossians 1:28.
  • G2098 euangélion (a good message, i.e. the gospel): This is the specific content that is preached. The Lord ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel 1 Corinthians 9:14.
  • G3056 lógos (word): This refers to the divine message itself that is being proclaimed. In Berea, the Jews received the message after the word of God was preached by Paul Acts 17:13.
  • G2052 eritheía (contention): This word highlights that the motive for preaching can be impure. Paul notes that some preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely Philippians 1:16.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2605 is significant, as it defines the authorized declaration of God's redemptive plan.

  • The Core Christian Message: The word is consistently tied to the essential truths of the faith. It is used to preach the forgiveness of sins Acts 13:38, to preach the resurrection from the dead through Jesus Acts 4:2, and to shew light to the people and the Gentiles Acts 26:23.
  • The Apostolic Commission: The term describes a primary duty of the apostles. They are identified as servants of God who shew the way of salvation Acts 16:17. The goal of this preaching is to present G3936 every person perfect in Christ Jesus Colossians 1:28.
  • Proclamation through Worship: The concept extends to acts of remembrance and worship. The observance of the Lord's Supper serves as a recurring proclamation, as believers shew the Lord's death until he returns 1 Corinthians 11:26.

Summary

In summary, G2605 is far more than a word for general communication. It signifies a definitive, authoritative proclamation of spiritual truth. It is the verb used to describe the declaration of Christ, the gospel, and the resurrection. Whether through apostolic sermons, teaching, or the symbolic act of communion, to katangéllō is to make the foundational realities of the Christian faith known to the world.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 17 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Present Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Infinitive 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Dative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 17 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Acts (10 verses).

10
Acts
1
Romans
3
1 Corinthians
2
Philippians
1
Colossians

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