The meaning of “ἐπαγγελία”
Understanding epangelía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
message, promise. - an announcement (for information, assent or pledge - especially a divine assurance of good)
ἐπαγγελία
message, promise. - an announcement (for information, assent or pledge - especially a divine assurance of good)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Luke 24:49 | “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Word: ἐπαγγελία (epangelía) | |
| Romans 9:4 | “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;” Word: ἐπαγγελία (epangelía) | |
| Galatians 3:21 | “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” Word: ἐπαγγελία (epangelía) | |
| 1 Timothy 4:8 | “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Word: ἐπαγγελία (epangelía) | |
| Hebrews 9:15 | “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Word: ἐπαγγελία (epangelía) |
Theological Word Study: Promise
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Word, promise
Hebrew uses davar (דָּבָר) for both word and promise—God's word is His promise. 'Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you' (Joshua 23:14).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Promise, pledge
The Greek epangelia (ἐπαγγελία) means promise—a divine pledge. Abraham 'staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief' (Romans 4:20). Believers are 'heirs according to the promise' (Galatians 3:29).