ἐκλογή (eklogē)
eklogē
selecting
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun eklogē denotes a deliberate act of selection or choice. In the New Testament, it is exclusively used to describe God’s sovereign decision to choose specific individuals. This usage appears in key passages such as Romans 9:11 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4, where the term anchors the concept of divine election.
Its meaning extends beyond the abstract act of choosing to include the people themselves. In Romans 11:7, for instance, the word functions metonymically, referring directly to "the elect" rather than just the process. This dual sense highlights that God’s choice is both an intentional decree and a relational reality for those selected.
The term underscores the initiative of God in salvation history. It appears in contexts like 2 Peter 1:10, where believers are urged to confirm their calling, linking human responsibility with divine selection. This balance reflects the theological weight Christians place on this concept, recognizing it as a foundation for assurance and identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eklogē points to a deliberate act of selection, yet in Scripture it always begins with God’s initiative rather than human merit. When Romans speaks of election standing not by works but by Him who calls, it offers profound comfort: your place in God’s family rests on His faithful character, not your fluctuating performance. This truth anchors the soul when self-doubt creeps in.
This divine choice is not merely a historical decree but a living reality for those selected. In 1 Thessalonians, believers are directly told they are chosen by God, linking this sovereign grace to their daily experience of love and community. It reminds us that we are known and valued before we ever take a step toward Him.
Yet Scripture also calls us to respond. Peter urges believers to make their calling and election sure through diligence and growth. This balance invites us to rest in God’s secure choice while actively pursuing the character He has called us to reflect, finding assurance in both His grace and our faithful walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- election4×
- the elect1×
- of choice1×
- [the] election1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκλογὴν5×
- ἐκλογῆς1×
- ἐκλογὴ1×
Key Verses
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Romans 9:11
For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,
This verse establishes that God's purpose in election stands independently of human works or birth status, highlighting divine sovereignty.
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I Thessalonians 1:4
We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,
Here the term is applied directly to the believers' identity as chosen by God, connecting theological doctrine to their personal assurance.
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II Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
Peter uses the word to urge active diligence, showing that human responsibility to confirm one's calling coexists with divine selection.
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Romans 11:5
Even so too at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
The phrase 'election of grace' clarifies that the remnant chosen at this time exists solely by mercy, not by earning favor.