κηρύσσω (kērussō)
kērussō
to preach
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 60 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kērussō means to act as a herald, making a public proclamation with official authority. In the New Testament it describes the formal announcement of the gospel, carried out by Jesus, John the Baptist, and the apostles. The sources note that this word carries a sense of gravity; it is not casual conversation but a message that demands attention and obedience, as seen when Jesus proclaims the good news in Matthew 4:23.
Its root relates to the kēryx, or town crier, who spoke with the power of the state behind him. This background helps explain why Paul says he must preach the gospel even if it costs him everything (1 Corinthians 9:16). The word appears frequently in Mark’s Gospel, highlighting the urgent, public nature of Jesus’ mission across Galilee and Judea.
Translators typically render kērussō as "preach" or "proclaim." While "preach" has become a technical religious term today, the Greek original emphasizes the act of declaring something important to a crowd. The sources point out that it can take direct objects like "Christ" or "Jesus," showing that the content of the message is central to its meaning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for preach carries the weight of an official royal decree. In ancient times, a herald did not share personal opinions; he delivered a message with full authority from his king. When we read that Jesus or the apostles preached, we are hearing a public announcement that demands a response. It is not casual chat but a serious declaration of truth intended to change how people live.
This understanding brings comfort because it reminds us that our faith rests on a solid foundation. The message is not about human wisdom but about God’s kingdom arriving in history. Whether you are sharing this hope with friends or listening to it in church, remember that the power lies in the message itself, not in your ability to persuade.
As you encounter these words in Scripture, let them encourage you to listen closely. The call to repentance and faith is a gift of grace. May you find peace in knowing that this good news has been declared for all nations, inviting everyone to rest in God’s love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 60 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- proclaiming10×
- to proclaim8×
- preaching5×
- do proclaim3×
- to preach2×
- shall be proclaimed2×
- having been proclaimed2×
- will be proclaimed1×
- were proclaiming [it].1×
- we proclaimed1×
- we proclaim;1×
- we preach1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κηρύσσων13×
- κηρύσσειν6×
- ἐκήρυσσεν3×
- κηρύσσομεν3×
- κηρύξαι3×
- ἐκήρυξεν2×
- ἐκήρυξαν2×
- κηρύξατε2×
- κηρυχθῆναι2×
- κηρυχθῇ2×
- κηρυχθήσεται2×
- ἐκήρυσσον.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:23
Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
This verse shows the word used alongside teaching and healing, proving that preaching is a central part of Jesus’ mission to restore people physically and spiritually.
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Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
Here the command is universal, extending the herald’s duty beyond Israel to the entire world, emphasizing the global scope of the gospel message.
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Matthew 24:14
This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
This occurrence links preaching to the end times, showing that the public proclamation of the kingdom is a necessary witness before history concludes.
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Mark 1:38
He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.”
Jesus uses this term to explain His primary purpose, highlighting that His mission was focused on delivering this specific message rather than staying in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word kērussō mean?
How is preaching different from just teaching in the Bible?
Who is recorded as preaching in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (60 verses across 15 books)
Matthew 9 verses
In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
Matthew 4:17From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:23Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing…
Matthew 9:35Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the…
Matthew 10:7As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
Matthew 10:27What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Matthew 11:1When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Matthew 24:14This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end…
Matthew 26:13Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also…