A Greek noun meaning a promise, a proclamation, or a solemn announcement. Closely related to epangelia (G1860), but with a nuance of formal public declaration. Used in 2 Peter 1:4 for the "very great and precious promises" by which believers participate in the divine nature.
Peter's description of God's promises as "very great and precious" (megista kai timia epangelmata) is among the most exalted statements about divine speech in all of Scripture. These promises are not merely legal guarantees — they are the vehicle by which believers escape corruption and participate in God's own nature. The promise-and-fulfillment structure is the skeleton of all biblical theology: from the proto-gospel of Genesis 3:15 through the Abrahamic covenant to the new covenant in Christ's blood, God's promises are the thread connecting all of history.