Bible Vocabulary: Words that Should Be Replaced. Part I

Continuing the theme of words made up in the past, let's examine the word 'gospel.'


'εὐαγγέλιον' was originally translated 'Godspel.' At the time it was created, the word made sense. The word 'good' rhymed with toad at the time and the word 'spell' meant to pass along information. Furthermore, it was an accurate "calque" translation: 'eu' means 'good/positive' and 'αγγέλιον' means 'news/message.' Godspell eventually dropped the d and the o was shortened. 


Now, however, the word 'Gospel' refers specifically to the 'Good News' that through Christ's death and resurrection we are liberated from the Law. This is to contrast generic good news, such as the fact that the Mariners traded away Yuniesky Betancourt.


There is a new problem, however: English speakers who have had little to no contact with Christianity often don't know what the word 'Gospel' means. The God's Word translation simply uses the words 'Good News,' including the capitalizations. That's okay, but it is not as catchy as 'gospel.' Another possible solution is to shorten the words 'good news' to 'goonews.' (oo as in 'book') This method, however, doesn't seem as successful as the first time. :)


Adding to the confusion is that the term 'Gospel' can also refer to one of the four accounts of the Gospel story. Then there's the issue of 'Gospel Music.'


My solution: go with the GW translation and capitalization. Those who know the meaning of 'gospel' will understand the reference and those who don't will understand the meaning. Like now, whenever the word 'gospel' is used, an explanation or footnote can be given.



Since my blog deals with things liturgical, let me explain what I'm envisioning.
Printed in a bulletin/hymnal, I would place an asterisk next to the words 'Holy Gospel' and place a footnote that explains the meaning of the word. (e.g. pg. 157 in the LSB)


Hymns might be different, though. Some hymns should retain the word 'Gospel' with a footnote. Some, however, could be replaced. Which ones are which? Perhaps one should leave alone the hymns people know, but alter those less-known. I would provide examples, but my searches only led to LSB 580 (The Gospel Show's the Father's Grace), which explains what the word 'gospel' means.