Euangelion
/juːˈæn.dʒə.li.ən/noun
A gospel; in ancient Greek, a message or reward given for good news.
Did you know?The Greek root behind Euangelion, euangelos, is built from eu- (“good”) + angelos (“messenger”), so “gospel” began as a messenger’s announcement before becoming one of the most sacred words in Christianity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
eu-
“good, well”
Ancient Greek
Greek
eu-
“good, well”
Ancient Greek
Greek
angelos
“messenger, one who brings tidings”
Ancient Greek
Greek
euangelion
“a reward for good news; later, good news itself”
Late Latin
Latin
evangelium
“the gospel, Christian good news”
Old English
English
gōdspel
“good news, gospel”
Modern English
English
gospel
“the Christian message; a doctrine or principle”
Explore more surprising origins