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H1309 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּשׂוֹרָה
besorah
Noun, feminine
Good news, glad tidings, gospel

Definition

The Hebrew word for 'good tidings' or 'gospel.' From the root basar (to bear news), besorah denotes the announcement of joyful news — especially victory, rescue, or divine intervention. It is the Old Testament seed of the New Testament euangelion.

Usage & Theological Significance

When David's men await news from the battle (2 Samuel 18:20), when Isaiah cries 'How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news' (Isaiah 52:7), they use this word or its verb root. Besorah is not mere information — it is transformative proclamation. The runner who brings besorah from the battlefield changes everything: mourning turns to rejoicing; fear turns to celebration. Isaiah 61:1 — 'The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor' — is the direct Old Testament root of Jesus' declaration in Luke 4:18. The Gospel is not a New Testament invention; it is the ancient besorah made flesh.

Key Bible Verses

2 Samuel 18:20 Joab said to him, 'You are not to carry news (besorah) today. You may carry news another day.'
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
2 Samuel 4:10 When someone told me, 'Behold, Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him.
Psalm 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day; declare his glory among the nations.

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