ἐπάγγελμα (epangelma)
epangelma
a promise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epangelma refers to a solemn pledge or assurance given by one party to another. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Second Letter of Peter (1:4 and 3:13). The word derives from the verb epangellō, meaning "to promise," but carries the specific weight of the thing promised rather than the act of promising itself.
These occurrences highlight a divine commitment. In chapter one, believers receive "precious and very great promises" that allow them to share in God’s nature. Chapter three looks forward to a new heaven and earth according to these same pledges. The term underscores the reliability of God’s word, framing the future hope not as a wish, but as a guaranteed outcome.
Because the word is rare, its meaning is tightly bound to its context. It does not denote casual speech or human agreements. Instead, it points to the firm foundation of Christian hope: that what God has pledged will certainly come to pass, anchoring the believer’s expectation in divine fidelity rather than uncertain circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epangelma points to the solid ground beneath your feet when life feels unstable. It is not a vague hope or a wishful thought, but a solemn pledge from God Himself. In 2 Peter 1:4, we read that these are "precious and exceedingly great promises." This language tells us that what God has said carries His full weight and authority. You can trust that His word will stand firm, even when your circumstances shift around you.
These promises are given so that you might share in the divine nature. They are not just future rewards, but present realities that transform how you live today. By escaping the corruption of the world through faith, you participate in something eternal. The reliability of God’s word anchors your soul, offering a stability that human agreements simply cannot provide.
Looking ahead to 2 Peter 3:13, we see the ultimate fulfillment of these pledges: new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This future hope is not uncertain; it is guaranteed by the One who made the promise. Let this assurance steady your heart, knowing that God’s commitment to you is as sure as His own character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- promises1×
- promise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπάγγελμα1×
- ἐπαγγέλματα1×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 1:4
by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
This verse defines the nature of epangelma as 'precious and exceedingly great,' linking the promises directly to the believer's participation in the divine nature.
-
II Peter 3:13
But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Here the word anchors the Christian hope for a new creation, showing that the promise is not abstract but points to a concrete future reality of righteousness.