Pronunciation Guide: ah-pang-GEL-lō
Basic Definition
Strong’s G518: ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō) carries the foundational meaning of bringing back word or reporting, especially as a messenger delivering an authoritative announcement. It emphasizes the responsibility to accurately relay what has been seen, heard, or experienced, often with a sense of divine commissioning. This word particularly highlights the role of being an appointed messenger tasked with declaring important news or revelations.
Etymology and Morphology
- Verb (present active indicative)
- Compound word: ἀπό (from) + ἀγγέλλω (to announce/declare)
- Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
- Frequently used in contexts of divine revelation and testimony
- Common in historical accounts and apostolic writings
ἀπαγγέλλω Morphology:
- ἀπαγγέλλω (present active) – I report/announce
- ἀπήγγειλα (aorist active) – I reported/announced
- ἀπαγγελῶ (future active) – I will report/announce
- ἀπήγγελλον (imperfect active) – I was reporting/announcing
- ἀπαγγέλλεται (present passive) – it is being reported/announced
Origin & History
The word ἀπαγγέλλω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used for official messengers delivering reports to authorities. Herodotus frequently employed this term in his Histories when describing messengers bringing news from distant battles or diplomatic missions. The compound structure (ἀπό + ἀγγέλλω) suggests the idea of delivering news from a source, emphasizing the messenger’s role as a faithful transmitter of information.
In the Septuagint, ἀπαγγέλλω took on additional spiritual significance, often used to translate Hebrew words related to prophetic proclamation and divine revelation. The word appears prominently in contexts where God’s messengers deliver His words to His people, as seen in the prophetic books. Philo of Alexandria, in his philosophical works, used ἀπαγγέλλω when discussing divine revelation and the transmission of spiritual truth.
The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Rome in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, employed this word when discussing the apostolic mission of proclaiming the Gospel, emphasizing the responsibility of faithful transmission of divine truth.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- To report back, especially as an authorized messenger
- To announce or proclaim, particularly divine truth
- To relate in detail what has been seen or experienced
- To declare officially or with authority
- To bring back word from a mission or assignment
ἀπαγγέλλω Translation Options:
- “Report back” – Best when emphasizing the return aspect of the messenger’s task
- “Announce” – Appropriate for contexts of public proclamation
- “Declare” – Suitable for formal or authoritative contexts
- “Bring word” – Effective when highlighting the messenger role
- “Proclaim” – Ideal for contexts of divine or official pronouncements
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἀπαγγέλλω appears frequently in contexts where disciples or witnesses report what they have seen concerning the Messiah’s works. Its first appearance in Matthew 2:8 is particularly significant, where Herod instructs the wise men to “bring word back” to him about the newborn King, though his intentions were deceitful.
The word carries special weight in resurrection accounts, where women and disciples are commissioned to report the news of Jesus’ rising. It’s also prominent in Acts, where apostles report both to authorities and to the church about God’s mighty works.
Key verses showing varied usage:
- “that they might report back [ἀπαγγέλλω] to him” Matthew 2:8
- “go and report [ἀπαγγέλλω] to John what you hear and see” Matthew 11:4
- “they reported [ἀπαγγέλλω] all these things to the eleven” Luke 24:9
- “we cannot help speaking [ἀπαγγέλλω] about what we have seen and heard” Acts 4:20
- “to report [ἀπαγγέλλω] to you the whole purpose of God” Acts 20:27
Cultural Insights
In the ancient world, the role of messenger was a highly respected and sometimes dangerous position. Professional messengers (ἄγγελοι) were expected to deliver their messages with absolute accuracy, often memorizing them word for word. The prefix ἀπό in ἀπαγγέλλω adds the crucial nuance of reporting back from a source, suggesting both authority and accountability.
The cultural weight of this word becomes particularly apparent in Jewish contexts, where it echoes the prophetic tradition of faithfully delivering God’s messages. The prophet was understood as Yahweh’s messenger, commissioned to ἀπαγγέλλω (report/declare) exactly what was received, neither adding to nor subtracting from the divine message.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀπαγγέλλω in the New Testament reveals a beautiful pattern of divine communication. God consistently uses human messengers to report His truth, mighty acts, and revelations. This word appears at crucial moments in redemptive history, particularly surrounding the Messiah’s birth, ministry, and resurrection, highlighting how God ensures His saving acts are properly proclaimed.
The frequent use of ἀπαγγέλλω in resurrection accounts underscore that the Good News isn’t just a message to be believed but a report of historical events witnessed and faithfully transmitted. This adds weight to the apostolic testimony and reminds us that our faith rests on real events reported by reliable witnesses.
This word also reveals God’s pattern of working through human agency in His divine communication. While He could directly reveal truth to every person, He chooses to work through faithful messengers who accurately report what they have seen and heard, establishing a chain of testimony that builds faith and community.
Personal Application
Understanding ἀπαγγέλλω challenges us to consider our role as messengers of God’s truth today. Like the disciples who reported the resurrection or the prophets who declared God’s words, we too are called to faithfully transmit what we have experienced of God’s work in our lives. This isn’t just sharing opinions or ideas, but accurately reporting what God has done.
When we share our testimony or teach Scripture, we’re engaging in the sacred task of ἀπαγγέλλω – reporting back what we have received from God. This should inspire both confidence and humility: confidence because we’re sharing what we’ve genuinely experienced, and humility because we’re merely messengers of a greater authority.
Related Words
- κηρύσσω (kēryssō) – to herald or proclaim publicly, focusing more on the public announcement aspect rather than reporting back. See G2784
- εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) – to announce good news, specifically related to the gospel message. See G2097
- λαλέω (laleō) – to speak or talk, a more general term for verbal communication. See G2980
- μαρτυρέω (martyreō) – to witness or testify, emphasizing personal experience. See G3140
- διηγέομαι (diēgeomai) – to describe or narrate in detail. See G1334
Did you Know?
- In ancient Greece, official messengers wore distinctive clothing and carried staffs that identified them as authorized representatives, giving additional weight to the concept of ἀπαγγέλλω as authoritative reporting.
- The word ἀπαγγέλλω is still used in modern Greek news broadcasting, maintaining its connection to official reporting and announcement of significant events.
- The prefix ἀπό in ἀπαγγέλλω suggests movement away from a source, painting a picture of a messenger who has been in the presence of the authority and now comes to deliver the message – a beautiful picture of those who have been with Jesus and now share His message.
Remember This
ἀπαγγέλλω represents the sacred trust of faithfully reporting God’s mighty acts and truth, reminding us that we are all called to be reliable messengers of what we have seen and heard of His work in our lives.
