What does κηρύσσω (kērýssō) mean in the Bible?
κηρύσσω means to herald, proclaim, or preach. In the Pastoral Epistles, it appears directly in two concentrated places.
Greek · G2784
κηρύσσω
To herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
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κηρύσσω G2784
Pronunciation kērýssō
What does κηρύσσω (kērýssō) mean in the Bible?
κηρύσσω means to herald, proclaim, or preach. In the Pastoral Epistles, it appears directly in two concentrated places.
Reader summary
Full entry for κηρύσσω (G2784) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render G2784?
The BSB source-word alignment has 61 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include preaching (8), preach (6), to proclaim (5), to preach (4), [and] preached (3).
Where does κηρύσσω (kērýssō) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 3:1. Its strongest book concentrations include Mark (14), Luke (9), Matthew (9), Acts (8).
Are there verse guides for κηρύσσω (kērýssō)?
This entry includes 2 verse guides that explain exact original-language forms in context.
What This Word Actually Means
κηρύσσω means to herald, proclaim, or preach. In the Pastoral Epistles, it appears directly in two concentrated places. The mystery of godliness was proclaimed among the nations, and Timothy is commanded to preach the word in season and out of season. Because the local occurrence count is low, these direct witnesses should be read with supporting canonical context where heralding language describes John, Jesus, the apostles, and gospel messengers.
The word emphasizes public announcement rather than private reflection. A herald does not invent the message, but announces what has been given. In 2 Timothy 4:2, preaching the word includes readiness, reproof, rebuke, encouragement, patience, and instruction. In 1 Timothy 3:16, proclamation belongs to the confession of Christ's appearing, vindication, witness, worldwide belief, and glory.
κηρύσσω therefore joins Christ-centered content with public, accountable proclamation.
How the Bible Uses It
In the Pastoral Epistles, κηρύσσω appears in the confession that Christ was proclaimed among the nations and in Timothy's charge to preach the word. It names herald-like proclamation of a received message, not self-created religious speech.
- 1Tim.3.16
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
The mystery of godliness includes Christ being proclaimed among the nations. Proclamation belongs to the worldwide confession of Christ.
- 2Tim.4.2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
Timothy is commanded to preach the word with readiness, reproof, rebuke, encouragement, patience, and instruction. This is the direct pastoral charge.
- Mark.1.14
After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.
Jesus comes proclaiming the gospel of God. This wider canonical support shows heralding tied to God's gospel announcement.
- Acts.10.42
And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
The apostles are commanded to preach and testify that Christ is appointed judge of the living and the dead. Proclamation bears authorized witness.
- Rom.10.14
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?
Paul asks how people can hear without someone preaching. Heralding serves the hearing of faith.
- 2Cor.4.5
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
Paul says we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord. This guards κηρύσσω from self-centered ministry.
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 preaching 8× Matthew 3:1, Matthew 4:23, Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:4
preach 6× Matthew 10:7, Matthew 11:1, Romans 2:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23
to proclaim 5× Mark 1:45, Mark 5:20, Luke 4:18, Luke 4:19
to preach 4× Matthew 4:17, Mark 3:14, Luke 4:44, Acts 10:42
[and] preached 3× Mark 6:12, Mark 16:20, 1 Peter 3:19
[and] proclaimed 3× Mark 1:14, Luke 8:39, Acts 8:5
he proclaimed 2× Mark 1:7, Acts 28:31
is preached 2× Matthew 26:13, Mark 14:9
was proclaimed 2× 2 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Timothy 3:16
will be proclaimed 2× Luke 12:3, Luke 24:47
[and] preach 1× Mark 16:15
[and] proclaims 1× 2 Corinthians 11:4
[Saul] promptly began to proclaim 1× Acts 9:20
[so that] after I have preached 1× 1 Corinthians 9:27
[someone] to preach 1× Romans 10:14
be proclaimed 1× Mark 13:10
been proclaimed 1× Acts 15:21
can they preach 1× Romans 10:15
has been proclaimed 1× Colossians 1:23
I can preach 1× Mark 1:38
I have preached 1× Acts 20:25
I preach 1× Galatians 2:2
it is preached 1× 1 Corinthians 15:12
proclaim 1× Matthew 10:27
proclaimed 1× Acts 10:37
proclaiming 1× Revelation 5:2
proclaims 1× Acts 19:13
they proclaimed [it] 1× Mark 7:36
we are proclaiming 1× Romans 10:8
we do not proclaim 1× 2 Corinthians 4:5
we preach 1× 1 Corinthians 15:11
we proclaimed 1× 2 Corinthians 11:4
while we proclaimed 1× 1 Thessalonians 2:9
will be preached 1× Matthew 24:14
Show sample aligned rows
Matthew 3:1 κηρύσσων to preaching Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Matthew 4:17 κηρύσσειν to to preach Verb - Present Infinitive Active Matthew 4:23 κηρύσσων to preaching Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Matthew 9:35 κηρύσσων to preaching Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Matthew 10:7 κηρύσσετε to preach Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Matthew 10:27 κηρύξατε to proclaim Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Matthew 11:1 κηρύσσειν to preach Verb - Present Infinitive Active Matthew 24:14 κηρυχθήσεται to will be preached Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Matthew 26:13 κηρυχθῇ to is preached Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular Mark 1:4 κηρύσσων to preaching Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned row Matthew 3:1
Aligned rows 61
Books represented 15
Matthew 9 Mark 14 Luke 9 Acts 8 Romans 4 1 Corinthians 4 2 Corinthians 4 Galatians 2 Philippians 1 Colossians 1 1 Thessalonians 1 1 Timothy 1 2 Timothy 1 1 Peter 1 Revelation 1
Source forms
κηρύσσων 13x kēryssōn Matthew 3:1, Matthew 4:23, Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:4
κηρύσσειν 6x kēryssein Matthew 4:17, Matthew 11:1, Mark 1:45, Mark 3:14
κηρύσσομεν 4x kēryssomen Romans 10:8, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 15:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5
ἐκήρυσσεν 3x ekēryssen Mark 1:7, Acts 8:5, Acts 9:20
ἐκηρύξαμεν 2x ekēryxamen 2 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:9
ἐκήρυξαν 2x ekēryxan Mark 6:12, Mark 16:20
ἐκήρυξεν 2x ekēryxen Acts 10:37, 1 Peter 3:19
κηρύξατε 2x kēryxate Matthew 10:27, Mark 16:15
Parsing patterns
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular 12x Matthew 3:1, Matthew 4:23, Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:4
Verb - Present Infinitive Active 6x Matthew 4:17, Matthew 11:1, Mark 1:45, Mark 3:14
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural 4x Romans 10:8, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 15:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active 3x Luke 4:18, Luke 4:19, Acts 10:42
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular 3x Mark 1:7, Acts 8:5, Acts 9:20
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural 2x Matthew 10:27, Mark 16:15
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural 2x 2 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:9
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural 2x Mark 6:12, Mark 16:20
Using This Word Well
Be careful not to...
- Preach as a steward of the word, not as the owner of a platform.
- Let reproof, rebuke, encouragement, patience, and instruction all shape proclamation.
Avoid claiming...
- Do not claim that κηρύσσω is the only New Testament word that defines preaching ministry.
- Do not claim that heralding removes the need for patience, instruction, and pastoral application.
Key Verse and Form Guides
Verse-level guides showing how this original-language form works in its specific context, including grammar, verse function, and guarded interpretation.
Matthew 4:17 Verb Present Active Infinitive
κηρύσσειν kerussein to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) The infinitive marks proclamation as the action Jesus begins. Read verse guide Matthew 4:23 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
κηρύσσων kerusson to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) The participle marks proclamation as central to Jesus' public work. Read verse guide Evidence Summary
Greek word. Public proclamation of divine truth, especially gospel, with authority and reach beyond private teaching
Source Gloss
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
Greek Text Appearances
Textus Receptus witness, full corpus Greek token appearances from Scrivener 1894 Textus Receptus in the full New Testament corpus.
16 of 61 Greek text appearances shown. Linked morphology labels have verse guides.
Matthew 3:1 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
κηρύσσων khrusswn
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse khrussein
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse khrusswn
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Matthew 9:35 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
κηρύσσων khrusswn
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Matthew 10:7 Verb Second Person Plural Present Active Imperative
κηρύσσετε, khrussete
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Matthew 10:27 Verb Second Person Plural Aorist Active Imperative
κηρύξατε khruxate
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Matthew 11:1 Verb Present Active Infinitive
κηρύσσειν khrussein
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Matthew 24:14 Verb Third Person Singular Future Passive Indicative
κηρυχθήσεται khrucqhsetai
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Matthew 26:13 Verb Third Person Singular Aorist Passive Subjunctive
κηρυχθῇ khrucqh
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 1:4 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
κηρύσσων khrusswn
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 1:7 Verb Third Person Singular Imperfect Active Indicative
ἐκήρυσσε, ekhrussen
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 1:14 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
κηρύσσων khrusswn
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 1:38 Verb First Person Singular Aorist Active Subjunctive
κηρύξω· khruxw
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 1:39 Verb Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine
κηρύσσων khrusswn
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 1:45 Verb Present Active Infinitive
κηρύσσειν khrussein
I proclaim, herald, preach
Read verse Mark 3:14 Verb Present Active Infinitive
κηρύσσειν khrussein
I proclaim, herald, 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 5 Aligned forms 61 Tenses Present, Imperfect, Aorist, Future Voices Active, Passive
Tenses
Voices
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 19×
Present Active Matt 3:1 · Matt 4:23 · Matt 9:35 · Mark 1:4 · Mark 1:14 · Mark 1:39 · Luke 3:3 · Luke 4:44 · Luke 8:1 · Luke 8:39 · Acts 20:25 · Acts 28:31 · Rom 2:21 · Acts 15:21 · Rom 10:14 · Rev 5:2 16×
Aorist Passive 2 Cor 1:19 · Col 1:23 2×
Aorist Active 1 Cor 9:27 1×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 11×
Aorist Active Luke 4:18 · Luke 4:19 · Acts 10:42 3×
Aorist Passive Mark 13:10 · Luke 24:47 2×
Indicative states a fact or reality 23×
Present Active Rom 10:8 · 1 Cor 1:23 · 1 Cor 15:11 · 2 Cor 4:5 · Acts 19:13 · 2 Cor 11:4 · Gal 2:2 · Gal 5:11 · Phil 1:15 9×
Aorist Active Mark 6:12 · Mark 16:20 · Acts 10:37 · 1 Pet 3:19 · 2 Cor 11:4 · 1 Thess 2:9 6×
Imperfect Active Mark 1:7 · Acts 8:5 · Acts 9:20 · Mark 7:36 4×
Future Passive Matt 24:14 · Luke 12:3 2×
Present Passive 1 Cor 15:12 1×
Aorist Passive 1 Tim 3:16 1×
Imperative command or strong request 4×
Aorist Active Matt 10:27 · Mark 16:15 · 2 Tim 4:2 3×
Present Active Matt 10:7 1×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 4×
Aorist Passive Matt 26:13 · Mark 14:9 2×
Aorist Active Mark 1:38 · Rom 10:15 2×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 58 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect
Tense
present 30 aorist 22 imperfect 4 future 2
Voice
active 48 passive 10
Mood
indicative 23 participle 17 infinitive 10 imperative 4 subjunctive 4
NT Occurrences
Matthew 3:1 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Matthew 4:17 κηρύσσειν present active infinitive infinitive Matthew 4:23 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Matthew 9:35 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Matthew 10:27 κηρύξατε aorist active imperative imperative Matthew 10:7 κηρύσσετε present active imperative imperative Matthew 24:14 κηρυχθήσεται future passive indicative prospective Matthew 26:13 κηρυχθῇ aorist passive subjunctive subjunctive Mark 1:14 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Mark 1:38 κηρύξω aorist active subjunctive subjunctive Mark 1:39 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Mark 1:4 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Mark 1:45 κηρύσσειν present active infinitive infinitive Mark 1:7 ἐκήρυσσεν imperfect active indicative background Mark 3:14 κηρύσσειν present active infinitive infinitive Mark 5:20 κηρύσσειν present active infinitive infinitive Mark 6:12 ἐκήρυξαν aorist active indicative completed Mark 7:36 ἐκήρυσσον imperfect active indicative background Mark 13:10 κηρυχθῆναι aorist passive infinitive infinitive Mark 14:9 κηρυχθῇ aorist passive subjunctive subjunctive Mark 16:15 κηρύξατε aorist active imperative imperative Mark 16:20 ἐκήρυξαν aorist active indicative completed Luke 3:3 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Luke 4:18 κηρύξαι aorist active infinitive infinitive Luke 4:19 κηρύξαι aorist active infinitive infinitive Luke 8:39 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Luke 9:2 κηρύσσειν present active infinitive infinitive Luke 12:3 κηρυχθήσεται future passive indicative prospective Luke 24:47 κηρυχθῆναι aorist passive infinitive infinitive Acts 8:5 ἐκήρυσσεν imperfect active indicative background Acts 9:20 ἐκήρυσσεν imperfect active indicative background Acts 10:37 ἐκήρυξεν aorist active indicative completed Acts 10:42 κηρύξαι aorist active infinitive infinitive Acts 15:21 κηρύσσοντας present active participle participle Acts 19:13 κηρύσσει present active indicative ongoing Acts 20:25 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Acts 28:31 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Romans 2:21 κηρύσσων present active participle participle Romans 10:14 κηρύσσοντος present active participle participle Romans 10:15 κηρύξωσιν aorist active subjunctive subjunctive
+18 more occurrences
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.
New Testament Witnesses
to proclaim publicly as a herald
proclaiming
proclaim
to proclaim
To proclaim publicly as a herald.
Additional Occurrences
Luke 12:1–3 κηρυχθήσεται kērýssō
Will be proclaimed
Luke 8:1–3 κηρύσσων kērýssō
Proclaiming
Luke 9:1–6 κηρύσσειν kērýssō
To proclaim
Showing 8 selected witnesses from 61 lexical occurrence verses.
Word Origins
κηρύσσω is of uncertain origin - no further derivation.
Why This Word Matters
Highlights the authoritative announcement of the gospel as central to salvation. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Establishes proclamation as central to kingdom mission. Luke 8:1–3
Highlights authoritative gospel announcement. Luke 9:1–6
Emphasizes authoritative gospel proclamation. Mark 1:35–39
The minister acts as a herald who announces God's message rather than creating his own. Romans 10:14-21
Canonical Themes
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
κηρύσσω appears only twice in the Pastoral Epistles, but both uses are decisive. First, Christ was proclaimed among the nations as part of the great confession of godliness. Second, Timothy must preach the word with readiness in every season. These uses keep preaching from becoming either self-expression or detached technique. The content is Christ and the word.
The manner includes reproof, rebuke, encouragement, patience, and instruction. The horizon is public witness among the nations and faithful endurance in a time when people will not tolerate sound doctrine. Wider New Testament usage confirms this herald pattern: Jesus proclaims God's gospel, apostles preach and testify, hearers need preaching, and faithful servants proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord rather than themselves.
Preaching is therefore entrusted announcement, Christ-centered content, and patient application of the word.
Anchor passage
2Tim.4.2
Doctrinal connections
- G3056 Logos: Timothy is charged to preach the word, so proclamation is governed by λόγος.
- G5547 Christos: The mystery proclaimed among the nations centers on Christ's appearing and glory.
- G1319 Didaskalia: Preaching in 2 Timothy 4:2 includes patient instruction.
- G3870 Parakaleo: Proclamation includes encouragement alongside reproof and rebuke.
- G2098 Euangelion: Wider canonical proclamation is the announcement of God's gospel in Christ.
- G2962 Kyrios: 2 Corinthians 4:5 guards proclamation by making Jesus Christ as Lord, not the preacher, the message.
κηρύσσω is a verb of heralding or proclaiming. It emphasizes public announcement of a message received from another. In this checkpoint, the Pastoral Epistles direct evidence is low-occurrence, so wider canonical support must be clearly labeled and must not override the two local uses.
From Old to New Testament
The prophetic pattern of authorized announcement continues in the New Testament as gospel proclamation centered on Christ. The Pastoral Epistles focus that heralding task into the church's ministry of preaching the word with patience and instruction.
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