ἐκλεκτός (eklektos)
eklektos
select
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective eklektos denotes what is picked out or selected from a larger group. Its root combines ek ("out") and legō ("gather"), describing the act of choosing the best or most suitable items. While classical Greek used it to mean "select" or "eminent," the New Testament adopts the term heavily from the Septuagint, where it translates Hebrew words for God’s choice.
In Scripture, eklektos carries significant theological weight by identifying those chosen by God. It describes Jesus as the Elect One (Luke 23:35), holy angels (1 Timothy 5:21), and believers who are called "elect" or "chosen" (Romans 8:33; 1 Peter 2:9). This usage emphasizes that election is not merely an invitation but a specific divine selection for salvation and purpose.
The word often appears in pairs with klētos ("called"), highlighting a distinction between the general call to faith and the specific group of those truly chosen. As seen in Matthew 22:14, many are called, but few are elected. This contrast underscores that while the invitation is broad, the status of being eklektos reflects God’s sovereign and purposeful choice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eklektos simply means 'chosen' or 'selected.' It comes from roots meaning to pick out from a larger group. In the New Testament, this term carries deep comfort because it points to God’s personal choice. You are not an accident of history; you have been picked out by Him for a specific purpose and relationship.
This selection is not based on your own merit but on His grace. When Scripture calls believers 'chosen ones,' it reminds us that our standing before God is secure. It is grounded in His action, not ours. This truth offers stability when life feels uncertain or when we feel overlooked by the world.
Knowing you are chosen invites a response of gratitude and humility. It shapes how we treat others and how we view our own worth. We rest in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe has set His love upon us, inviting us into a lasting bond with Him through Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- elect7×
- chosen.3×
- chosen3×
- elect.2×
- [the] elect2×
- To [the] elect2×
- of [the] elect1×
- elect,1×
- chosen,1×
- a chosen1×
- Chosen [One].1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκλεκτῶν4×
- ἐκλεκτοὺς4×
- ἐκλεκτὸν3×
- ἐκλεκτοί.¶3×
- ἐκλεκτούς.2×
- ἐκλεκτοὶ2×
- ἐκλεκτῆς1×
- ἐκλεκτῇ1×
- ἐκλεκτός.¶1×
- ἐκλεκτόν,1×
- ἐκλεκτοῖς1×
- ἐκλεκτούς,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few chosen.”
This verse contrasts the broad invitation to salvation with the specific reality of those who are ultimately chosen by God.
-
Romans 8:33
Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies.
Here the term assures believers that no accusation can stand against them because God Himself has justified His chosen ones.
-
Luke 23:35
The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”
The religious leaders use this title mockingly for Jesus, yet it confirms His unique status as the Messiah chosen by God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eklektos mean in the Bible?
How is eklektos different from klētos?
Who is described as eklektos in the New Testament?
Why is this word important for Christians today?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 5 verses
So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14For many are called, but few chosen.”
Matthew 24:22Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days…
Matthew 24:24For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if…
Matthew 24:31He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the…