What does καταγγέλλω (katangéllō) mean in the Bible?
Katangellō means to proclaim, announce, or make a message publicly known. Peter says the prophets announced the days fulfilled in Christ.
Greek · G2605
καταγγέλλω
To proclaim, promulgate
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καταγγέλλω G2605
Pronunciation katangéllō
What does καταγγέλλω (katangéllō) mean in the Bible?
Katangellō means to proclaim, announce, or make a message publicly known. Peter says the prophets announced the days fulfilled in Christ.
Reader summary
Full entry for καταγγέλλω (G2605) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render G2605?
The BSB source-word alignment has 18 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include preach (2), proclaim (2), [as] I proclaimed (1), [now] proclaim (1), am proclaiming (1).
Where does καταγγέλλω (katangéllō) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Acts 3:24. Its strongest book concentrations include Acts (11), 1 Corinthians (3), Philippians (2), Colossians (1).
What This Word Actually Means
Katangellō means to proclaim, announce, or make a message publicly known. Peter says the prophets announced the days fulfilled in Christ. Paul reports that Roman believers' faith is proclaimed throughout the world. In Corinth he refuses rhetorical self-display and proclaims God's testimony centered on Jesus Christ crucified. In Philippi, some proclaim Christ from selfish ambition while Paul remains confident that Christ is announced.
Colossians summarizes apostolic ministry: proclaiming Christ, warning and teaching everyone toward maturity. The verb identifies public declaration, not the purity of every messenger's motive or the completeness of every sermon. Faithful proclamation is evaluated by its object, content, manner, and aim.
How the Bible Uses It
Katangellō presents public announcement of prophetic fulfillment, congregational faith, Christ crucified, Christ preached amid mixed motives, and Christ proclaimed toward maturity. The recurring center is God's saving action in Jesus, though messengers remain morally accountable.
- Acts.3.24
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days.
Acts 3:24 says all the prophets from Samuel onward announced these days. Peter places Jesus' suffering, resurrection, and promised restoration within the scriptural prophetic witness.
- Rom.1.8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.
Romans 1:8 says the faith of Roman believers is proclaimed throughout the whole world. Their public reputation prompts thanksgiving to God rather than celebrity for the church.
- 1Cor.2.1
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
First Corinthians 2:1 says Paul did not come with superior speech or wisdom when proclaiming God's testimony. His resolved center is Jesus Christ and Him crucified, displayed in dependence on the Spirit.
- Phil.1.17
The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.
Philippians 1:17 says rivals proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, hoping to add trouble to Paul's imprisonment. Paul does not approve their motives, though he rejoices that the true Christ is announced.
- Col.1.28
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Colossians 1:28 says "Him we proclaim," warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that everyone may be presented mature in Christ. Proclamation aims at formed disciples, not exposure alone.
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It preach 2× 1 Corinthians 9:14, Philippians 1:17
proclaim 2× Acts 26:23, Colossians 1:28
[as] I proclaimed 1× 1 Corinthians 2:1
[now] proclaim 1× Acts 17:23
am proclaiming 1× Acts 17:3
are proclaiming 1× Acts 16:17
have proclaimed 1× Acts 3:24
is being proclaimed 1× Romans 1:8
is preached 1× Philippians 1:18
is proclaimed 1× Acts 13:38
proclaiming 1× Acts 4:2
promoting 1× Acts 16:21
they proclaimed 1× Acts 13:5
was also proclaiming 1× Acts 17:13
we proclaimed 1× Acts 15:36
you proclaim 1× 1 Corinthians 11:26
Show sample aligned rows
Acts 3:24 κατήγγειλαν to have proclaimed Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Acts 4:2 καταγγέλλειν to proclaiming Verb - Present Infinitive Active Acts 13:5 κατήγγελλον to they proclaimed Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Acts 13:38 καταγγέλλεται to is proclaimed Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Acts 15:36 κατηγγείλαμεν to we proclaimed Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Acts 16:17 καταγγέλλουσιν to are proclaiming Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Acts 16:21 καταγγέλλουσιν to promoting Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Acts 17:3 καταγγέλλω to am proclaiming Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Acts 17:13 κατηγγέλη to was also proclaiming Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Acts 17:23 καταγγέλλω to [now] proclaim Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned row Acts 3:24
Aligned rows 18
Books represented 5
Acts 11 Romans 1 1 Corinthians 3 Philippians 2 Colossians 1
Source forms
καταγγέλλουσιν 4x katangellousin Acts 16:17, Acts 16:21, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Philippians 1:17
καταγγέλλεται 3x katangelletai Acts 13:38, Romans 1:8, Philippians 1:18
καταγγέλλειν 2x katangellein Acts 4:2, Acts 26:23
καταγγέλλω 2x katangellō Acts 17:3, Acts 17:23
καταγγέλλετε 1x katangellete 1 Corinthians 11:26
καταγγέλλομεν 1x katangellomen Colossians 1:28
καταγγέλλων 1x katangellōn 1 Corinthians 2:1
κατηγγείλαμεν 1x katēngeilamen Acts 15:36
Parsing patterns
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural 3x Acts 16:17, Acts 16:21, Philippians 1:17
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular 3x Acts 13:38, Romans 1:8, Philippians 1:18
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular 2x Acts 17:3, Acts 17:23
Verb - Present Infinitive Active 2x Acts 4:2, Acts 26:23
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural 1x Acts 15:36
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural 1x Acts 3:24
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular 1x Acts 17:13
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural 1x Acts 13:5
Using This Word Well
Be careful not to...
- Do not excuse selfish, abusive, or manipulative ministry merely because correct words about Christ are spoken.
- Do not reduce proclamation to public exposure without warning, teaching, and accountable discipleship.
Avoid claiming...
- Do not excuse selfish, abusive, or manipulative ministry merely because correct words about Christ are spoken.
- Do not reduce proclamation to public exposure without warning, teaching, and accountable discipleship.
Evidence Summary
Greek word. Proclaim publicly or formally; in NT, emphasizes declaring Christ, the gospel, or God's word authoritatively.
Strong's G2605
Lexical occurrences 18 verses Greek text appearances 17 times 16 shown below Word forms 3 forms 18 references Verse guides 0 guides
Study link 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Source Gloss
to proclaim, promulgate
Greek Text Appearances
Textus Receptus witness, full corpus Greek token appearances from Scrivener 1894 Textus Receptus in the full New Testament corpus.
16 of 17 Greek text appearances shown. Linked morphology labels have verse guides.
Acts 4:2 Verb Present Active Infinitive
καταγγέλλειν kataggellein
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 13:5 Verb Third Person Plural Imperfect Active Indicative
κατήγγελλον kathggellon
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 13:38 Verb Third Person Singular Present Passive Indicative
καταγγέλλεται· kataggelletai
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 15:36 Verb First Person Plural Aorist Active Indicative
κατηγγείλαμεν kathggeilamen
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 16:17 Verb Third Person Plural Present Active Indicative
καταγγέλλουσιν kataggellousin
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 16:21 Verb Third Person Plural Present Active Indicative
καταγγέλλουσιν kataggellousin
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 17:3 Verb First Person Singular Present Active Indicative
καταγγέλλω kataggellw
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 17:13 Verb Third Person Singular Second Aorist Passive Indicative
κατηγγέλη kathggelh
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 17:23 Verb First Person Singular Present Active Indicative
καταγγέλλω kataggellw
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Acts 26:23 Verb Present Active Infinitive
καταγγέλλειν kataggellein
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Romans 1:8 Verb Third Person Singular Present Passive Indicative
καταγγέλλεται kataggelletai
I declare openly, preach
Read verse 1 Corinthians 2:1 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
καταγγέλλων kataggellwn
I declare openly, preach
Read verse 1 Corinthians 9:14 Verb Present Active Participle Dative Plural Masculine
καταγγέλλουσιν kataggellousin
I declare openly, preach
Read verse 1 Corinthians 11:26 Verb Second Person Plural Present Active Indicative
καταγγέλλετε kataggellete
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Philippians 1:16 Verb Third Person Plural Present Active Indicative
καταγγέλλουσιν, kataggellousin
I declare openly, preach
Read verse Philippians 1:18 Verb Third Person Singular Present Passive Indicative
καταγγέλλεται· kataggelletai
I declare openly, preach
Read verseFull New Testament corpus: 260 chapters, 7,957 verses, 140,628 tokens. Data source: honza/textus-receptus (data only), with authority check against byztxt/greektext-textus-receptus.
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups 3 Aligned forms 18 Tenses Present, Aorist, Imperfect Voices Passive, Active
Verse guides are not available for this word yet, so verse references remain plain evidence markers.
Tenses
Voices
Indicative states a fact or reality 14×
Present Active Acts 16:17 · Acts 16:21 · Phil 1:17 · Acts 17:3 · Acts 17:23 · 1 Cor 11:26 · Col 1:28 7×
Present Passive Acts 13:38 · Rom 1:8 · Phil 1:18 3×
Aorist Active Acts 3:24 · Acts 15:36 2×
Imperfect Active Acts 13:5 1×
Aorist Passive Acts 17:13 1×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 2×
Present Active Acts 4:2 · Acts 26:23 2×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 2×
Present Active 1 Cor 2:1 · 1 Cor 9:14 2×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 18 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect
Tense
present 14 aorist 3 imperfect 1
Voice
active 14 passive 4
Mood
indicative 14 participle 2 infinitive 2
NT Occurrences
Acts 3:24 κατήγγειλαν aorist active indicative completed Acts 4:2 καταγγέλλειν present active infinitive infinitive Acts 13:38 καταγγέλλεται present passive indicative ongoing Acts 13:5 κατήγγελλον imperfect active indicative background Acts 15:36 κατηγγείλαμεν aorist active indicative completed Acts 16:17 καταγγέλλουσιν present active indicative ongoing Acts 16:21 καταγγέλλουσιν present active indicative ongoing Acts 17:13 κατηγγέλη aorist passive indicative completed Acts 17:23 καταγγέλλω present active indicative ongoing Acts 17:3 καταγγέλλω present active indicative ongoing Acts 26:23 καταγγέλλειν present active infinitive infinitive Romans 1:8 καταγγέλλεται present passive indicative ongoing 1 Corinthians 2:1 καταγγέλλων present active participle participle 1 Corinthians 9:14 καταγγέλλουσιν present active participle participle 1 Corinthians 11:26 καταγγέλλετε present active indicative ongoing Philippians 1:17 καταγγέλλουσιν present active indicative ongoing Philippians 1:18 καταγγέλλεται present passive indicative ongoing Colossians 1:28 καταγγέλλομεν present active indicative ongoing
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Selected Scripture Witnesses
Selected passage-level study witnesses for this word. This section is not the full occurrence list.
Biblical Witnesses
Proclaiming God's mystery, the central content of apostolic preaching
Proclaiming the gospel as a mandate given by the Lord
Proclaiming Christ's death through the Lord's Supper ritual and testimony
Showing 3 selected witnesses from 18 lexical occurrence verses.
Word Origins
καταγγέλλω is built from these roots:
Part of These Phrases
Compound and idiomatic phrases that include this word. Follow a link to study the phrase and how its parts work together.
For the Preacher and Teacher
Katangellō is outward-facing speech with a defined message. The prophets announce the days fulfilled in Jesus, a congregation's faith becomes publicly known, and Paul deliberately proclaims the crucified Christ rather than himself. Philippians prevents simplistic evaluation: a true message can be carried by selfish ambition, which Paul condemns even while rejoicing that Christ is named.
Colossians prevents another reduction by joining proclamation to warning, teaching, wisdom, and the goal of maturity. Churches therefore need more than volume, reach, or verbal orthodoxy detached from character. Faithful proclamation is scriptural in source, Christ-centered in content, Spirit-dependent in manner, and formative in aim. It gives God glory for visible faith and seeks to present real people mature in Christ rather than counting mere impressions.
Anchor passage
1Cor.2.1
Doctrinal connections
- Biblical theology: prophetic witness anticipates the saving days fulfilled in Christ.
- Christology: apostolic proclamation centers on Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
- Holy Spirit: gospel confidence rests in God's power rather than rhetorical display.
- Church witness: publicly known faith should produce thanksgiving to God.
- Human motives: a true message does not excuse envy, rivalry, or selfish ambition.
- Discipleship: proclamation joins warning and teaching to form mature people in Christ.
Katangellō combines kata with angellō and means to announce, proclaim, or report publicly. It overlaps with other proclamation verbs, but context supplies whether the object is an event, reputation, person, or doctrinal message.
From Old to New Testament
Prophets publicly announce God's acts, warnings, and promised salvation. The New Testament declares those promises fulfilled in Christ and extends proclamation toward the nations and the mature formation of the church.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain