Translation guide
The English word "gospel" has two main uses: the Christian religious message or texts, and a metaphor for something absolutely true or a fundamental principle. This guide covers both.
Referring to the Christian gospel, the teachings of Jesus, or the first four books of the New Testament.
The standard term for the Christian gospel. Can refer to the message itself or the biblical books.
Using "gospel" metaphorically to mean something accepted as unquestionably true, or a fundamental belief.
He takes his manager's advice as gospel. · Don't take everything you read as gospel. · the gospel of hard work
Means to swallow something whole, i.e., to accept something uncritically as true. Often used in the negative or as a warning.
Do not use 福音 (ふくいん) for the metaphorical sense of "gospel" (e.g., "take as gospel"). 福音 is strictly religious. Use phrases like 鵜呑みにする or 絶対視する instead.
彼は福音を広めるために世界中を旅した。
He traveled the world to spread the gospel.
the Gospel according to Matthew
Loanword from English, often used for gospel music or in a more modern, cultural context.
I sing gospel at church on Sundays.
Specifically refers to one of the four Gospels as a book (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels.
彼は上司の言うことを何でも鵜呑みにする。
He takes everything his boss says as gospel.
Don't take information on the internet as gospel.
To regard something as absolute or infallible. More formal and often used in critical contexts.
He treats his own theory as gospel.
An idiomatic expression meaning to treat something as an inviolable rule or golden precept. Very formal and literary.
He takes his master's teachings as gospel.