The Hebrew verb basar means to bring good news, to announce tidings, or to proclaim a message of great significance. In the ancient Near East, it was the runner's word — the one who sprinted from the battlefield to tell the city of victory. The related noun besorah means 'good news' or 'gospel.' Basar appears in contexts of military victory (1 Samuel 31:9), royal proclamations, and especially in the prophetic announcements of God's coming salvation.
Basar is the direct Old Testament antecedent to the Greek word euangelion (G2098, gospel). When Isaiah wrote How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news (mevaser)! (Isaiah 52:7), he set the stage for the entire New Testament concept of the Gospel. Jesus began His ministry quoting Isaiah 61:1 — The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim (euangelizesthai) good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). The message of salvation through Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of every basar in the Old Testament.