καταγγέλλω (katangellō)
katangellō
to proclaim
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katangellō means to proclaim or announce something publicly and authoritatively. In the New Testament, it appears seventeen times, primarily in Acts and Paul’s letters. It is not a quiet whisper but a bold declaration intended for a wide audience.
Its range of meaning covers both the content and the messenger. The sources list specific things being proclaimed: the resurrection (Acts 4:2), the way of salvation (Acts 16:17), the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14), and even Christ’s death (1 Corinthians 11:26). It can also refer to proclaiming a person, such as Jesus himself (Philippians 1:17).
A key feature is its public nature. The prefix kata- intensifies the base word for "announce," suggesting a thorough or widespread reporting. This matches its use in Acts where apostles are sent out to declare these truths in cities like Athens and Corinth. Translators usually render it as "proclaim" or "preach," capturing the sense of official announcement rather than mere suggestion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katangellō carries a sense of bold, public announcement. It is not a private whisper or a gentle suggestion, but a clear declaration intended for everyone to hear. When you read about the apostles using this term, you see them stepping into crowded cities and synagogues to share truths that changed lives. This word reminds us that faith is meant to be shared openly, not kept hidden away.
In your own life, this might look like sharing your story of hope with a neighbor or simply living in a way that points others to Jesus. The early believers did not wait for perfect conditions; they spoke out wherever they were. Whether you are speaking in a large gathering or having a quiet conversation, the message remains the same: God’s love is real and available to all.
Even when circumstances were difficult, these messengers continued to proclaim their faith. You can find encouragement in knowing that your voice matters too. The goal is not to be perfect in your delivery, but to be faithful in sharing the good news. This kind of public witness brings light into dark places and offers hope to those who are searching.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- preach3×
- proclaiming2×
- proclaim2×
- you proclaim1×
- we have announced1×
- was proclaimed1×
- told of1×
- to preach1×
- they were proclaiming1×
- is proclaimed;1×
- is proclaimed,1×
- is being proclaimed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταγγέλλουσιν3×
- καταγγέλλω2×
- καταγγέλλειν2×
- κατήγγελλον1×
- κατήγγειλαν1×
- κατηγγέλη1×
- κατηγγείλαμεν1×
- καταγγέλλων1×
- καταγγέλλομεν1×
- καταγγέλλετε1×
- καταγγέλλεται·1×
- καταγγέλλεται,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:2
being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
This verse highlights that proclaiming the resurrection was a central part of the early church's message, even when it caused opposition.
-
Philippians 1:18
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
Paul rejoices that Christ is proclaimed regardless of the preacher's motives, emphasizing that the truth of the message matters more than the messenger's character.
-
Acts 17:23
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.
Paul uses this word to introduce the unknown God of the Athenians to Jesus, showing how proclamation can bridge cultural gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does katangellō mean in the New Testament?
How is katangellō different from other words for preaching?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
What is the significance of the prefix kata- in this word?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 5 books)
Acts 11 verses
Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, also told of these days.
Acts 4:2being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Acts 13:5When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their attendant.
Acts 13:38Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins;
Acts 15:36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed…
Acts 16:17Following Paul and us, she cried out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of…
Acts 16:21and advocate customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.”
Acts 17:3explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom…
Acts 17:13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came…
Acts 17:23For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘TO AN…
Acts 26:23how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these…