What does "Grace" mean in the Bible?

Grace (charis in Greek, chen in Hebrew) is God's undeserved kindness toward humanity. It is the foundation of the Christian gospel — salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.

What does "Agape" mean in the Bible?

Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love. It describes God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show — a love that gives without expecting return.

What does "Faith" mean in the Bible?

Faith (pistis in Greek, emunah in Hebrew) is the foundational response God requires of humanity — trusting in His character, His word, and His saving work through Jesus Christ.

What does "Redemption" mean in the Bible?

Redemption means to purchase freedom by paying a price. In the Bible, God redeems His people from slavery, sin, and death through the blood of Jesus Christ — the ultimate ransom.

Promise (Epaggelia)

ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia)

A divine pledge — God's binding commitment to fulfill what He has declared.

Greek

Strong's G1860

Pronunciation: ep-ang-el-EE-ah

Quick Answer

Epaggelia is the Greek word for promise, describing God's binding commitments to His people. God's promises are the foundation of faith — secured by His character, confirmed by His oath, and fulfilled in Christ.

"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

Strong's Concordance

Strong's G1860 — Promise (Epaggelia) (ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia))

Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia) appears.

Open Strong's G1860

Etymology and Original Meaning

Epaggelia combines epi ('upon') and aggelia ('announcement') — a declaration laid upon someone, a binding announcement of intent. In secular Greek, it could mean a pledge, an offer, or a decree. In the New Testament, it refers specifically to God's binding commitments — declarations He has made that He will not and cannot break because His character guarantees them.

God's Promises to Abraham

The story of God's promises begins with Abraham: land, descendants, and universal blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). These promises were received by faith — Abraham 'staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith' (Romans 4:20). For twenty-five years between promise and fulfillment, Abraham trusted. The gap between promise and fulfillment is where faith is forged.

All Promises Fulfilled in Christ

Paul makes a sweeping claim: 'All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen' (2 Corinthians 1:20). Every divine promise finds its 'Yes' in Christ — confirmed, secured, and guaranteed through Him. The promise of offspring, land, blessing, redemption, the Spirit, and eternal life all converge in and flow from Christ. He is the nexus of every divine commitment.

Partakers of the Divine Nature

Peter describes God's promises as 'exceeding great and precious' — through them believers become 'partakers of the divine nature' (2 Peter 1:4). God's promises are not merely about future events but about present transformation. As believers trust and internalize God's promises, they are progressively shaped by His character. Promises are the means of sanctification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does promise mean in the Bible?

Promise (epaggelia) is God's binding commitment — a declaration He guarantees with His own character. God's promises are the foundation of faith, secured by His faithfulness and fulfilled in Christ.

Are all God's promises for me?

All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). While some promises were specific to individuals or Israel, the spiritual realities they point to — salvation, the Spirit, eternal life, God's presence — belong to all who are in Christ.

Which Bible verse uses the word "Promise (Epaggelia)"?

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 (Epaggelia)" matter?

Epaggelia combines epi ('upon') and aggelia ('announcement') — a declaration laid upon someone, a binding announcement of intent. English uses one word, "Promise (Epaggelia)", where the Greek ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia) carries the fuller sense: a divine pledge — god's binding commitment to fulfill what he has declared.

Related Words

Where to go next

Studied the meaning of Promise (Epaggelia)? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.

Promise (Epaggelia)

Key Verses

2 Peter 1:4

2 Corinthians 1:20

Hebrews 10:23

Strong's G1860 — Promise (Epaggelia) (ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia))

Etymology and Original Meaning

God's Promises to Abraham

All Promises Fulfilled in Christ

Partakers of the Divine Nature

Frequently Asked Questions

What does promise mean in the Bible?

Are all God's promises for me?

Which Bible verse uses the word "Promise (Epaggelia)"?

Why does the Greek word behind "Promise (Epaggelia)" matter?

Related Words

Related Reading

Promise (Epaggelia) (ἐπαγγελία (epaggelia))

Strong's G1860 — Promise (Epaggelia)

Promise (ἐπαγγελία (epangelia))

Bible Verses About God's Promises

Bible Verses About Keeping Promises

1 Corinthians 2:9 Commentary

Where to go next