Kerygma
κήρυγμα (kērygma)
The proclamation or preaching of the gospel message.
Kērygma refers to the content and act of gospel proclamation — the public announcement that Jesus is Lord, He died for sins, rose again, and calls all people to repentance and faith.
"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." — 1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Corinthians 1:21
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”Read in context
Romans 10:14
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”Read in context
Titus 1:3
“But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G2782 — Kerygma (κήρυγμα (kērygma))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where κήρυγμα (kērygma) appears.
Open Strong's G2782Etymology and Origin
Kērygma comes from kēryssō (to herald or proclaim). In the ancient world, a kēryx (herald) was a public announcer who delivered the king's message with authority. The gospel kerygma is God's royal announcement delivered through human messengers.
Theological Significance
Scholar C.H. Dodd identified the core kerygma of the early church as: the age of fulfillment has arrived; Jesus lived, died, and rose again; He is exalted as Lord; the Holy Spirit is present in the church; Christ will return; therefore repent and believe. This kerygma is the irreducible core of Christian faith — not advice or philosophy, but a proclamation of what God has done.
Practical Application
The kerygma reminds believers that Christianity is not primarily a moral system but an announcement of good news. Sharing faith means proclaiming events — the death and resurrection of Christ — and inviting response, not merely teaching ethics or philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the kerygma in Christianity?
The kerygma is the core gospel proclamation of the early church: that Jesus Christ died for sins, rose from the dead, is Lord of all, and calls all people to repentance and faith.
How is kerygma different from didache?
Kerygma is the initial proclamation of the gospel to non-believers, while didache (teaching) is the ongoing instruction given to those who have already believed.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Kerygma"?
1 Corinthians 1:21 — "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 10:14, Titus 1:3.
Why does the Greek word behind "Kerygma" matter?
Kērygma comes from kēryssō (to herald or proclaim). English uses one word, "Kerygma", where the Greek κήρυγμα (kērygma) carries the fuller sense: the proclamation or preaching of the gospel message.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Kerygma (κήρυγμα (kērygma))
The proclamation or preaching of the gospel message.
Strong's G2782 — Kerygma
κήρυγμα (kērygma) • The proclamation or preaching of the gospel message.
1 Corinthians 1:18 — Meaning & Devotional
Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 — Meaning & Devotional
Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Commentary
In-depth study • Gospel Core
1 Corinthians 1:18 Commentary
In-depth study • The Cross
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