ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)
ekklēsia
assembly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 112 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ekklēsia literally means a "called-out assembly." In classical Greek it described citizens summoned by heralds to deliberate in public spaces, distinct from random crowds. The Septuagint adopted the word to translate the Hebrew qahal, referring to Israel as God’s gathered people. This background shapes its New Testament usage, where it denotes a community defined not by geography but by a shared calling.
In Scripture, ekklēsia appears 112 times, often describing local house churches in Acts or Corinth, but also the universal body of believers. Jesus uses it to describe his foundational community in Matthew 16:18, while Paul refers to the "church of God" in 1 Corinthians 15:9. The term captures both a specific gathering for worship and the entire people of God across time.
Its etymology emphasizes divine initiative: God calls people out into this assembly. Translators render it as "church," though this English word often implies a building rather than a people. The Greek retains its original sense of a convened community, whether meeting in homes or gathered spiritually as the whole body of Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekklēsia points to a community defined by a shared calling rather than a physical location or social status. In the ancient world, this term described citizens summoned to gather for important matters, distinct from a random crowd. When Scripture uses it, it highlights that believers are gathered together by God’s initiative. This shifts the focus from a building to the people themselves, reminding us that our identity is rooted in who has called us out.
Living as part of this assembly involves mutual care and shared purpose. The New Testament shows early Christians meeting in homes, supporting one another through persecution, and growing together in faith. This model encourages us to value connection with other believers, recognizing that we are not meant to walk alone. It is a reminder that our spiritual life is lived out in relationship with others who share this same hope.
Understanding this term helps clarify the nature of Christian community. It is not about perfection or uniformity but about being gathered by grace. Whether meeting locally or united across time, the assembly reflects God’s work among His people. This perspective invites us to engage deeply with our fellow believers, finding strength and encouragement in their company as we navigate life together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 112 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- church48×
- churches21×
- churches.9×
- church.8×
- church,6×
- [the] church5×
- churches;3×
- church;3×
- assembly2×
- [the] church,2×
- to [the] church1×
- of [the] congregation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκκλησίας23×
- ἐκκλησίᾳ17×
- ἐκκλησίαν13×
- ἐκκλησίαις10×
- ἐκκλησίαι7×
- ἐκκλησία7×
- ἐκκλησίαις.¶4×
- ἐκκλησίας,3×
- ἐκκλησίαν,3×
- ἐκκλησίαις·3×
- ἐκκλησιῶν3×
- ἐκκλησίᾳ·2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 16:18
I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Jesus declares that He personally builds this community, establishing it as His foundational work rather than a human institution.
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Acts 20:28
Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
This verse emphasizes the divine origin of the assembly, noting that God purchased it with His own blood, which underscores its sacred value.
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Acts 9:31
So the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
It shows the assembly growing through peace and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the internal spiritual dynamics that sustain the community.
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Acts 5:11
Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.
The reaction of fear here reveals the seriousness with which the early believers treated their shared life and witness.