What does gospel mean?
Gospel most commonly refers to the Christian message, particularly the teachings about Jesus Christ and salvation, and it can also mean the act of proclaiming that message. In broader, sometimes figurative use, it means a message of good news, hope, or encouragement. A further established sense is a body of beliefs or principles presented as authoritative: someone may describe an ideal of simplicity or integrity as their gospel. The word is also widely used for a style of Christian popular music, known for expressive singing, strong choir work, and energetic rhythmic accompaniment. Its history makes its meaning especially memorable: the English word comes through Old English from Greek euangelion, a term meaning “good news.” Religious use developed from that general sense as Christianity spread. Today, “gospel” can therefore carry distinctly religious, musical, and optimistic connotations depending on context.
The Christian message or teachings, especially those concerning Jesus Christ; a body of beliefs; a message of good news; or a style of Christian popular music.
"Her music blends soul and jazz with an unmistakable gospel influence."
The religious sense is traditional and formal, while the music sense is now common in British and American English.
To spread or promote Christian beliefs, especially by preaching or undertaking missionary work.
"They travelled throughout the region to gospel in remote villages."
This use is chiefly missionary and evangelistic; it is relatively uncommon in everyday English.
Used for separate accounts of Christian teachings, individual bodies of belief, or different styles or traditions associated with the term.
"The four gospels recount the life and teachings of Jesus in different ways."
The word that now chiefly denotes a Christian message began as a literal translation of Greek for “good news.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gospel come from?
The word ultimately comes from Greek euangelion, formed from eu- meaning “good” and angelos meaning “messenger” or “message,” and originally meant “good news.” Old English gōspel borrowed the term, where it developed into a religious word referring to the Christian message. Related English forms include evangelist, evangelism, evangelical, and evangelize, all based on the same Greek source.
Related word forms
How gospel is actually used
In religious contexts, the term is formal and commonly associated with Christian teaching or missionary activity. Outside those contexts, “gospel” can sound informal when it means good news or encouraging information. As a verb, it is chiefly missionary or evangelistic and is less common in everyday contemporary English.
Easily confused with gospel
A gospel is a religious message or body of teachings, whereas gossip is informal information or conversation about other people's private lives.