Gospels
/ˈɡɒs.pəlz/noun
The four New Testament books recounting the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, or the Christian message they convey.
Did you know?“Gospel” is an Old English translation of Greek euangelion, the same word once used for a welcome announcement such as news of military victory or an emperor’s accession.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁wesu-
“Good, well, or beneficial; a proposed ancestral source connected with the Germanic element later appearing in “good.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
euangelion
“Good news or a reward for bringing good news, especially an official or victorious announcement.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
evangelium
“The Gospel or Christian proclamation, borrowed from Greek euangelion.”
Old English
Old English
gōdspel
“Good news; the Christian message—literally, “good story” or “good discourse.””
Middle English
Middle English
gospel
“The Christian revelation, especially one of the canonical accounts of Jesus’s life.”
Modern English
English
gospels
“The plural form referring chiefly to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, or to their teachings collectively.”
Explore more surprising origins