Promise
ἐπαγγελία (epangelia)
A divine pledge — God's binding commitment to fulfill what He has declared.
Epangelia is the Greek word for promise, describing God's solemn declarations and binding commitments. Scripture contains thousands of promises that reveal God's character and anchor the believer's hope.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature." — 2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
Key Verses
2 Peter 1:4
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.”Read in context
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”Read in context
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Epangelia combines epi ('upon') and angellō ('to announce'), meaning 'a declaration upon' — a solemn announcement that binds the speaker. Unlike human promises which may fail, God's promises carry the weight of His perfect character. When God promises, He stakes His name, His honor, and His very nature on fulfillment.
The Abrahamic Promise
God's promise to Abraham forms the backbone of biblical history: land, descendants, and blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham 'believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6). Paul argues that this promise, received by faith, predates and supersedes the law — God's relationship with humanity is fundamentally promise-based, not performance-based.
Promises Fulfilled in Christ
Paul declares that all God's promises find their 'yes' in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). The promised seed, the promised king, the promised new covenant, the promised Spirit — every thread of divine promise converges in Jesus. He is both the promiser and the promise fulfilled, the one through whom every divine pledge reaches its destination.
Living on the Promises
Peter describes God's promises as 'exceeding great and precious' — the means by which believers partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Faith is taking God at His word. When circumstances contradict the promise, believers trust the character of the promiser. Abraham 'staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith' (Romans 4:20).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does promise mean in the Bible?
A promise (epangelia) is God's solemn, binding commitment to fulfill what He has declared. God's promises are guaranteed by His perfect character and faithfulness.
How many promises are in the Bible?
Scholars have counted thousands of promises in Scripture, covering every area of life — salvation, provision, protection, guidance, and eternal life. All find their fulfillment in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Promise"?
2 Peter 1:4 — "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (KJV). It also appears in 2 Corinthians 1:20, Hebrews 10:23.
Why does the Greek word behind "Promise" matter?
Epangelia combines epi ('upon') and angellō ('to announce'), meaning 'a declaration upon' — a solemn announcement that binds the speaker. English uses one word, "Promise", where the Greek ἐπαγγελία (epangelia) carries the fuller sense: a divine pledge — god's binding commitment to fulfill what he has declared.
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Promise (Epaggelia) (ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia))
A divine pledge — God's binding commitment to fulfill what He has declared.
Strong's G1860 — Promise (Epaggelia)
ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia) • A divine pledge — God's binding commitment to fulfill what He has declared.
Bible Verses About God's Promises
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Keeping Promises
10 curated KJV verses
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