### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kērýssō**, represented by `{{G2784}}`, means **to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)**. It appears 63 times across 60 unique verses in the Bible. The term signifies an official or authoritative proclamation, not merely casual speech, but a formal announcement intended for public hearing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2784}}` is central to the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles. John the Baptist came **preaching** in the wilderness of Judaea [[Matthew 3:1]]. Jesus began His own ministry to **preach** a message of repentance, declaring that the kingdom of heaven was at hand [[Matthew 4:17]]. This act of **preaching** the gospel of the kingdom was a core component of His work, often accompanied by teaching and healing [[Matthew 4:23]]. The commission was then passed to the disciples, who were commanded to go into all the world and **preach** the gospel [[Mark 16:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of this public declaration:
* `{{G2097}}` **euangelízō** (to announce good news): While `{{G2784}}` is the act of heralding, this term often describes the content of that proclamation—the good news. Jesus was anointed to **preach the gospel** to the poor, combining the act and the message in one mission [[Luke 4:18]].
* `{{G2098}}` **euangélion** (a good message, i.e. the gospel): This is the noun form of the good news itself. The ultimate goal is for this **gospel** of the kingdom to be **preached** in all the world [[Matthew 24:14]].
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō** (to teach): Preaching and teaching are consistently paired activities. Jesus went about **teaching** in synagogues and **preaching** the gospel [[Matthew 9:35]], just as Paul was found **preaching** the kingdom of God and **teaching** about Jesus Christ [[Acts 28:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2784}}` is immense, establishing it as a foundational act of the faith.
* **The Proclamation of the Kingdom:** The core message to be **preached** is the arrival of the kingdom of God and the call to repentance ([[Mark 1:14]], [[Matthew 10:7]]).
* **The Centrality of Christ:** The subject of the proclamation is Christ himself. Paul states, "we **preach** Christ crucified" [[1 Corinthians 1:23]] and "we **preach** not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord" [[2 Corinthians 4:5]].
* **A Prerequisite for Faith:** The act of preaching is presented as essential for salvation. Faith comes from hearing the message, but people cannot hear without a **preacher** [[Romans 10:14]].
* **A Divine Mandate:** Preaching is not a self-appointed task but a divine commission. The disciples were specifically sent by Jesus to **preach** [[Mark 3:14]], for "how shall they **preach**, except they be sent?" [[Romans 10:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2784}}` is far more than simple communication. It is the authoritative heralding of divine truth, a non-negotiable command from God to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and the person of Jesus Christ. From John the Baptist's call in the desert to the global mission of the church, this act of **preaching** is the essential means by which God's message of repentance, remission of sins, and salvation is made public to all nations [[Luke 24:47]].
TRV