from κατά and the base of ἄγγελος; to proclaim, promulgate:--declare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.
Transliteration:katangéllō
Pronunciation:kat-ang-gel'-lo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2605}}` καταγγέλλω (katangéllō) is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G2596}}` κατά (katá) and the base of `{{G32}}` ἄγγελος (ángelos), which relates to ἀγγέλλω (angellō), "to announce" or "report." The preposition κατά can carry various nuances, including "down," "against," or "according to." In this compound, it functions as an intensifier, suggesting a thorough, widespread, or emphatic announcement. Thus, καταγγέλλω means to "proclaim fully," "declare widely," "promulgate," or "make known publicly and emphatically." Its semantic range encompasses declaring, preaching, showing, speaking of, and teaching, all implying a public and authoritative communication of a message. The "down" aspect of κατά can subtly imply a declaration that settles or establishes a truth, or one that is delivered from a position of authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2605}}` appears 18 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the book of Acts and the Pauline epistles, highlighting its significance for the early Christian mission and proclamation.
In Acts, `{{G2605}}` frequently describes the apostles' public declaration of the gospel and core Christian tenets:
* In [[Acts 4:2]], the priests and Sadducees are "annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." Here, the object of proclamation is a foundational truth of the Christian faith.
* [[Acts 13:38]] states, "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is proclaimed to you the forgiveness of sins." This highlights the salvific message delivered through Christ.
* Paul and Barnabas "preached the word of the Lord" in various cities ([[Acts 15:36]]) and Paul "proclaimed" the unknown God to the Athenians ([[Acts 17:23]]), demonstrating the scope of their evangelistic message.
In Paul's letters, `{{G2605}}` is central to his understanding of his apostolic calling and the nature of the Christian message:
* Paul asserts that he came to Corinth "not with excellence of speech or of wisdom proclaiming to you the testimony of God" ([[1 Corinthians 2:1]]), emphasizing the content over rhetorical flair.
* He speaks of those who "preach Christ" ([[Philippians 1:16-18]]), whether from pure or impure motives, underscoring that the essential task is the proclamation of Christ Himself.
* Most notably, in the context of the Lord's Supper, Paul states, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes" ([[1 Corinthians 11:26]]). This verse uniquely applies `{{G2605}}` to a liturgical act, signifying that the Eucharist itself is a powerful, enacted proclamation of Christ's atoning death and His future return.
* In [[Colossians 1:28]], Paul declares, "Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." This verse encapsulates the comprehensive nature of the apostolic ministry: proclamation, warning, and teaching, all aimed at spiritual maturity in Christ.
Consistently, the object of `{{G2605}}` is a divine truth: the resurrection, forgiveness, the word of the Lord, the true God, Christ, the testimony of God, or the Lord's death. This underscores the theological weight and spiritual authority inherent in the act of `{{G2605}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2605}}` καταγγέλλω shares semantic overlap with several other New Testament terms related to communication and proclamation:
* `{{G2784}}` κηρύσσω (kērýssō): "to proclaim as a herald." While similar, κηρύσσω often emphasizes the official, authoritative nature of the herald's announcement, whereas καταγγέλλω might highlight the comprehensive scope or public dissemination of the message. Both are used for preaching the gospel.
* `{{G2097}}` εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō): "to preach good news" or "to evangelize." This term specifically denotes the proclamation of the *gospel* (εὐαγγέλιον, `{{G2098}}`). καταγγέλλω can be used *for* preaching the good news (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 9:14]]), but its semantic range is broader, encompassing any authoritative public declaration of truth.
* `{{G3056}}` λόγος (logos): "word" or "message." The content being proclaimed is often the "word of God" (λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ, `{{G3056}}` `{{G2316}}`).
* `{{G3141}}` μαρτυρία (martyria) and `{{G3144}}` μάρτυς (martys): "testimony" and "witness." Proclamation often flows from personal witness and serves as a public testimony to truth.
The act of `{{G2605}}` stands in contrast to silence, concealment, or denial of truth, emphasizing its open and public nature.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of `{{G2605}}` in the New Testament reveals several profound theological implications:
* **Divine Mandate:** The act of `{{G2605}}` is not merely human communication but a divinely commissioned activity, especially for the apostles. It carries the weight of divine authority, as the message proclaimed is God's own truth.
* **Centrality of Proclamation:** The New Testament church is fundamentally a proclaiming community. The Christian faith is not a private philosophy but a public declaration of God's saving acts in history. This underscores the missional imperative inherent in the Christian life.
* **Christ-Centered Content:** The primary object of `{{G2605}}` is consistently Christ Himself—His death, resurrection, and Lordship—or the Gospel message that flows from Him. This highlights the centrality of Christ in Christian theology and practice.
* **Eschatological Dimension:** The unique application of `{{G2605}}` to the Lord's Supper in [[1 Corinthians 11:26]] demonstrates that Christian worship itself is a form of active proclamation. The communal meal is not just a remembrance but a present declaration of Christ's past sacrifice and a forward-looking announcement of His future return, binding together salvation history and eschatological hope.
* **Public Witness:** `{{G2605}}` inherently implies a public, open, and often bold declaration. It is a call to make known what has been revealed, not to keep it hidden. This public witness is essential for the spread of the faith and the awakening of belief.
### Summary
`{{G2605}}` καταγγέλλω is a powerful Greek verb signifying a robust, public, and authoritative proclamation or declaration. Formed from κατά (intensifying) and ἀγγέλλω (to announce), it means to "announce thoroughly," "proclaim widely," or "make known emphatically." In the New Testament, this term is consistently applied to the declaration of foundational Christian truths, such as the resurrection of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins through Christ, the Word of God, and preeminently, the gospel itself. Its usage highlights the essential role of public witness and verbal communication in the spread of the early Christian faith. Furthermore, `{{G2605}}` underscores the divine authority and the comprehensive nature of the message being conveyed, even extending to the liturgical act of the Lord's Supper as a proclamation of Christ's death until His return. It is a key term for understanding the apostolic mission and the ongoing task of the Church to make known the saving work of Christ to the world.
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