noun

ἐκλογή

0
eklogē
September 19, 2025
Greek
Bible Names, Bible Occupations & Titles, Important Words

Pronunciation Guide: ek-log-AY (emphasis on final syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1589: ἐκλογή (eklogē) refers to the divine act of selecting or choosing out from among many options. It primarily denotes God’s sovereign choice or election of individuals, groups, or purposes according to His divine will and grace. In the New Testament, it carries special theological significance regarding God’s selection of His people for salvation and service.

Etymology and Morphology

  • Noun (feminine)
  • Derived from the verb ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai, G1586) meaning “to select, choose out, pick out”
  • Compound word: ἐκ (ek, “out from”) + λέγω (legō, “to gather, pick out, choose”)
  • Primary usage in theological discourse and teaching sections
  • Appears 7 times in the New Testament

ἐκλογή Morphology:

  • ἐκλογή (nominative singular) – election, selection
  • ἐκλογῆς (genitive singular) – of election
  • ἐκλογῇ (dative singular) – in/by/with election
  • ἐκλογήν (accusative singular) – election (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἐκλογή emerged from classical Greek where it originally carried the secular meaning of “selection” or “choice.” In works like Plato’s “Republic,” the concept appears in discussions about selecting leaders and citizens for specific roles in the ideal state. Aristotle used related terms when discussing the selection of appropriate means to achieve desired ends in his “Nicomachean Ethics.”

In the Septuagint (LXX), while the exact noun ἐκλογή is rare, the verbal form ἐκλέγομαι appears frequently to describe God’s choice of Israel, specific individuals like David, and sacred places like Jerusalem. For example, in 1 Chronicles 28:4-5, the LXX uses this word family to describe God’s selection of David as king and Solomon as his successor. The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in “Against Celsus” and Augustine in “On the Predestination of the Saints,” developed extensive theological frameworks around this term, connecting it to God’s sovereign predestination and grace.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

  • Divine selection of individuals or groups for salvation or service
  • The act of choosing based on God’s sovereign will and purpose
  • Selection for a specific mission or calling
  • The state or condition of being chosen by God

ἐκλογή Translation Options:

  • Election – Most theological translations prefer this term as it preserves the concept of sovereign choice
  • Selection – Emphasizes the discerning aspect of choosing one from many
  • Choosing – Highlights the active process rather than the state
  • Appointment – Captures the purpose-driven nature of God’s selection, though it misses some of the sovereign choice connotations
  • Calling – While missing some of the initiative of God in selection, this captures the purpose behind the choice

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἐκλογή appears predominantly in Pauline literature where it carries significant theological weight regarding God’s sovereign choice in salvation. Its first appearance in Acts 9:15 describes Saul/Paul as God’s “chosen instrument” to carry the gospel to Gentiles and kings. This establishes the pattern where ἐκλογή often connects to divine purpose—God selects individuals not arbitrarily but for specific missional purposes.

The most theologically dense usage appears in Romans 9-11, where Paul wrestles with Israel’s relationship to the gospel. Here, ἐκλογή becomes a key concept explaining how God’s promises remain faithful despite Israel’s unbelief. Paul introduces the concept of a “remnant according to the election of grace” (Romans 11:5), establishing that God’s choosing is based on grace rather than human merit or works. This theological framework helps explain how God maintains His covenant faithfulness while extending salvation to Gentiles.

  • “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen [ἐκλογῆς] instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.’” Acts 9:15
  • “But they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious [ἐκλογήν] choice.” Romans 11:28-32, 5b
  • “So, as those who have been chosen [ἐκλογὴν] of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
  • “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen [ἐκλογὴν] you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4
  • “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and [ἐκλογὴν] election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10

Cultural Insights

Within the cultural context of the first-century Jewish world, the concept of election (ἐκλογή) carried significant covenantal weight. Israel’s self-understanding was fundamentally shaped by their identity as God’s chosen people—a nation selected not because of their size or merit, but because of God’s sovereign love and faithfulness to His promises to Abraham. This understanding created tension when the early Jewish believers began to witness Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit and being incorporated into God’s people without adopting Jewish customs.

The concept of ἐκλογή provided a theological framework for understanding this unexpected development. Just as God had sovereignly chosen Israel in the past, He was now sovereignly extending His choice to include Gentiles. This represented not an abandonment of His original election but an expansion of it according to His eternal purposes. This paradigm shift challenged deeply held cultural and religious assumptions about how God works, emphasizing that divine election transcends human expectations and categories. The Jewish idiom “to be called by one’s name” (which implied ownership and special relationship) connects to this concept of election—those chosen by God bear His name and represent His character and purposes in the world.

Theological Significance

The doctrine of election (ἐκλογή) stands as one of the most profound yet challenging theological concepts in Scripture, revealing God’s sovereign initiative in the work of salvation. Rather than being based on human merit or foreseen faith, election flows from God’s grace and according to His purposes established before the foundation of the world. This demonstrates Yahweh’s absolute sovereignty over all creation and history—nothing happens outside His divine will and permission.

Election highlights both God’s transcendence and His immanence. It reveals His transcendence in that His choices are not bound by human expectations or limitations; He chooses according to His own wisdom which often confounds human understanding (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Yet it also reveals His immanence because through election, He enters into intimate covenant relationship with those He chooses, knowing them by name and working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28-30). Perhaps most importantly, election reveals God’s love and mercy. That the holy and perfect Creator would choose sinful humanity for redemption rather than judgment displays the unfathomable depths of His compassion. The Messiah Jesus stands at the center of election theology—He is both the elect One par excellence and the means by which God’s electing purposes are accomplished.

Personal Application

Understanding ἐκλογή transforms our spiritual perspective from one of self-determination to humble gratitude. When we realize that our relationship with God began not with our choice but with His, pride gives way to wonder and worship. Instead of viewing salvation as something we achieved or earned, we recognize it as a gift we could never deserve—a demonstration of God’s inexplicable grace toward us.

This understanding also gives us confidence in times of doubt and struggle. If our relationship with God depends ultimately on His unchanging choice rather than our fluctuating faithfulness, we can rest in the security of His steadfast love. The God who chose us before the foundation of the world will surely complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). Our response to election should be twofold: humble gratitude expressed in worship, and active participation in God’s redemptive purposes. Being chosen by God is never merely for our benefit but for service to others and witness to the world of God’s character and kingdom.

  • κλῆσις (klēsis, KLAY-sis) – calling, invitation; refers to God’s invitation to participate in His kingdom and the state of being called to salvation and service. While election emphasizes God’s sovereign choice, calling focuses on the summons to respond. See G2821
  • προορίζω (proorizō, pro-or-ID-zo) – to predestine, predetermine; emphasizes God’s advance planning and determination, focusing more specifically on the beforehand aspect of God’s choice. See G4309
  • ἐκλεκτός (eklektos, ek-lek-TOS) – chosen, elect; the adjectival form related to ἐκλογή, describing those who have been chosen by God. See G1588
  • προγινώσκω (proginōskō, pro-gi-NO-sko) – to know beforehand, foreknow; connects God’s choosing with His foreknowledge, though theological debate exists about whether this foreknowledge is causative or simply prescient. See G4267
  • προτίθημι (protithēmi, pro-TI-thay-mi) – to set forth, purpose beforehand; emphasizes the purposeful intent behind God’s election, showing it is not arbitrary but according to His predetermined plan. See G4388

Did you Know?

  • Did you know that the ancient Greek practice of ἐκλογή was prominently displayed in the Olympic Games, where cities would carefully select (ἐκλέγω) their best athletes to represent them in competition? This cultural practice provides a compelling parallel to God’s careful selection of believers to represent His kingdom in the world—not because they are inherently the strongest or most qualified, but because through them, His strength is made perfect in weakness.
  • Did you know that in modern Greek, the term ἐκλογή (eklogí) is used for political elections? This contemporary usage maintains the core meaning of selection or choice, though it has shifted from God’s sovereign choice to the people’s democratic choice. This linguistic development provides an interesting counterpoint to the biblical concept, highlighting how the initiative in divine election comes from above rather than below.
  • Did you know that the concept of ἐκλογή has been one of the most debated theological ideas throughout church history? Major theological traditions—from Augustine to Arminius, Calvin to Wesley—have offered different interpretations of how God’s sovereign election interacts with human free will. These debates have shaped denominational boundaries for centuries, yet all traditions affirm that salvation originates in God’s gracious initiative rather than human merit.

Remember This

ἐκλογή reminds us that before we ever chose God, He chose us—not because of who we were, but because of who He is and what He purposed to accomplish through us to display His magnificent glory.

📚 Note

  • This lexicon entry is finalized for peer review once you see two checkmarks.
  • Readers engaged in critical research should verify citations & keyword occurrences in their preferred Bible. Logos Bible software is recommended.
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