President Russell M. Nelson is a masterful teacher. I personally love it when he introduces me to a new word that expands my understanding of the gospel. Lately, two Greek words that he’s shared in the past have been on my mind.
1. ‘Euangelion’
The first Greek word is euangelion. In his last general conference talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson said that President Nelson shared the word’s meaning in a meeting.
“In a meeting just weeks before his birthday, President Nelson shared the reason he cherishes the phrase ‘glad tidings.’ On the face of it, he noted, the phrase rings of joy and happiness. But ‘glad tidings’ conveys much more than that. He explained that this phrase comes from the original Greek word euangelion, which literally means the ‘good news’ or the ‘gospel.’ Happiness and joy in this life and the next are always linked with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus the phrase ‘glad tidings’ captures this double meaning in a wonderful way.”
Reading that reminds me of President Nelson’s landmark talk to young adults in 2022. He said, “[God] also cares deeply that all His children have an opportunity to hear the glad tidings of the restored gospel.”
I love the reminder that missionary work in our church stems from a desire to bring happiness and joy to others. As President Nelson also said:
“That is why our missionaries leave their homes to preach His gospel. Their goal is not to increase the number of Church members. Rather, our missionaries teach and baptize to bring joy to the people of the world!”
“That is why our missionaries leave their homes to preach His gospel. Their goal is not to increase the number of Church members. Rather, our missionaries teach and baptize to bring joy to the people of the world!”
2. ‘Metanoeo’
Another Greek word President Nelson introduced me to is metaneo. In the prophet’s April 2019 general conference talk, he taught:
“The prefix meta- means ‘change.’ The suffix -noeo is related to Greek words that mean ‘mind,’ ‘knowledge,’ ‘spirit,’ and ‘breath.’
“Thus, when Jesus asks you and me to ‘repent,’ He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our wives, teach our children, and even care for our bodies.”
That definition of repentance helps me grasp how encompassing the principle is. The Savior invites me to come unto Him with every part of me. Realizing that helps me access the joy of repentance. As President Nelson went on to say, “[Repentance] is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Read more insight on teachings from the prophet in the links below.
▶ What Pres. Nelson said is ‘the most crucial question we each must answer’
▶ 100 facts about President Nelson for his 100th birthday
▶ 10 ways Pres. Nelson has invited you to prepare for the Second Coming
