Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Apostle”
The biblical word “Apostle” traces back to Greek (apostolos (Greek)), where it meant “One sent forth, a messenger, a delegate”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A pioneering advocate of a cause or movement; originally, a disciple of Jesus”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Greekapostolos (Greek)One sent forth, a messenger, a delegate
From Greek apostolos (αποστολος), literally 'one sent away.' The term combined apo- (away) + stellō (to send). Used in Greek to mean messenger or envoy, then applied in Christian context to the Twelve sent by Jesus.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinapostolusOne of the Twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his gospel
Latin apostolus derived from Greek apostolos. Church fathers used this term to designate the authoritative witnesses and emissaries of Christ's teaching, foundational to ecclesiastical authority.
Modern English
EnglishapostleA pioneering advocate of a cause or movement; originally, a disciple of Jesus
From Middle English and Old French apostle, from Latin apostolus. Retained strict religious sense in Christian tradition while extending metaphorically to any devoted proponent of a doctrine.