Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "herald" is an individual who proclaims or announces important news or messages, often on behalf of a king or authority figure. The role of a herald is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a messenger who communicates divine or royal decrees to the people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of a herald is closely associated with the role of prophets and messengers who conveyed God's word to His people. Although the specific term "herald" is not frequently used, the function is evident in the actions of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who were tasked with delivering God's messages to Israel. For example, Isaiah 40:9 states, "Go up on a high mountain, O herald of good news to Zion; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the cities of Judah, 'Here is your God!'" The herald's role in the Old Testament often involved calling people to repentance, announcing impending judgment, or proclaiming hope and salvation. The herald was seen as a vital link between God and His people, ensuring that His will and purposes were communicated clearly. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of a herald is more explicitly connected to the proclamation of the Gospel. John the Baptist is a prime example of a herald, as he prepared the way for Jesus Christ by calling people to repentance and announcing the coming of the Messiah. Mark 1:2-3 refers to this role: "As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.' 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’" The apostles and early Christians also took on the role of heralds as they spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire. The Apostle Paul, in particular, saw himself as a herald of the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 1:11 , Paul writes, "To this gospel I was appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher." Symbolism and Significance The herald's role is symbolic of the broader Christian mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. The act of heralding is not merely about delivering a message but doing so with authority, urgency, and clarity. The herald is entrusted with a message of great importance, often involving life-changing or world-altering news. In a spiritual sense, every believer is called to be a herald of the Gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This calling emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to be active participants in God's redemptive plan for humanity. Conclusion The concept of a herald in the Bible underscores the importance of communication and proclamation in God's relationship with humanity. Whether through prophets, apostles, or believers today, the role of a herald is to faithfully deliver the message of God's love, judgment, and salvation to the world. Smith's Bible Dictionary Heraldone who makes public proclamation. The only notice of this officer in the Old Testament occurs in (Daniel 3:4) The term "herald" might be substituted for "preacher" in (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Peter 2:5) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An officer whose business was to denounce or proclaim war, to challenge to battle, to proclaim peace, and to bear messages from the commander of an army. He was invested with a sacred and inviolable character.2. (n.) In the Middle Ages, the officer charged with the above duties, and also with the care of genealogies, of the rights and privileges of noble families, and especially of armorial bearings. In modern times, some vestiges of this office remain, especially in England. See King-at-Arms. 3. (n.) A proclaimer; one who, or that which, publishes or announces; as, the herald of another's fame. 4. (n.) A forerunner; a precursor; a harbinger. 5. (n.) Any messenger. 6. (v. t.) To introduce, or give tidings of, as by a herald; to proclaim; to announce; to foretell; to usher in. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HERALDher'-ald: The word occurs once (Daniel 3:4) as the translation of the Aramaic word karoz (compare kerux): "Then the herald cried aloud." Greek 2783. kerux -- a herald ... a herald. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kerux Phonetic Spelling: (kay'-roox) Short Definition: a herald, preacher Definition: a herald ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2783.htm - 7k 2784. kerusso -- to be a herald, proclaim 4296. prokerusso -- to proclaim (by herald) 2604. kataggeleus -- a proclaimer 1229. diaggello -- to publish abroad, proclaim 2605. kataggello -- to proclaim 2060. Hermes -- Hermes, the name of a Gr. god and a Christian at ... 4313. proporeuomai -- to make to go before, to cause to go before 2097. euaggelizo -- to announce good news Strong's Hebrew 3744. karoz -- a herald... 3743, 3744. karoz. 3745 . a herald. Transliteration: karoz Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-roze') Short Definition: herald. Word Origin ... /hebrew/3744.htm - 5k 2199. zaaq -- to cry, cry out, call 6735. tsiyr -- an envoy, messenger Library The Herald of the King John the Herald of Christ. Hark! the Herald Host is Singing Herald Angels. 7S D. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Herald Angels. 7S D. Glory to God. The King's Herald. The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King John Chapter i. 19-33 Out of Sectarian Confusion Thesaurus Preaching (116 Occurrences)... Psalm 40:9 Isaiah 61:1), qara', "to call," "proclaim" (Nehemiah 6:7 Jonah 3:2), qeri'ah, "cry," "preaching" (Jonah 3:2); kerux, "crier," "herald" (1 Timothy 2:7 ... /p/preaching.htm - 50k Dayspring (2 Occurrences) Herald (8 Occurrences) Preacher (27 Occurrences) Fiction (2 Occurrences) Trumpets (52 Occurrences) Day-star (2 Occurrences) Daystar Prophesy (96 Occurrences) Possibly (13 Occurrences) Resources What is a red letter Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Noah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5)? | GotQuestions.org Herald: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Herald (8 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 9:27 1 Timothy 2:7 2 Timothy 1:11 2 Peter 2:5 Isaiah 40:9 Isaiah 41:27 Daniel 3:4 Habakkuk 2:2 Subtopics Herald: General Scriptures Concerning Herald: Signified by the Word "Preacher" Related Terms |
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