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κέλευσμα (keleusma)

keleusma

command

G2752 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun keleusma refers to a sharp, authoritative shout or command used to rouse people to action. In classical usage, it described the cries a charioteer gave to horses or a hunter issued to hounds. By extension, it also denoted the loud signals a ship’s captain shouted to rowers or a military commander gave to soldiers.

In Scripture, this word appears only once, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Paul uses it to describe the voice of the Lord descending from heaven at the resurrection. The choice of this specific term suggests a powerful, commanding call that awakens the dead and gathers believers, rather than a gentle whisper.

The word’s root implies urgency and immediate obedience. It captures the moment when authority breaks through silence with a sound that demands response. This vivid imagery helps readers understand the power and immediacy of Christ’s return as described in Paul’s letter.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word keleusma describes a sharp, authoritative command that demands immediate action. It was used for signals given to rowers or soldiers, conveying urgency and power. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Paul uses this term to describe the voice of the Lord at His return. This is not a gentle whisper but a commanding shout that awakens the dead.

For your faith, this offers profound comfort. It reminds us that Christ’s return will be decisive and undeniable. The same authority that calls believers from death will gather all who trust in Him. You can rest in the certainty that His word has power to transform reality and bring hope to those who wait for Him.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a loud command,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • κελεύσματι,1×

Key Verses

  • I Thessalonians 4:16
    For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,

    This is the only biblical occurrence, where keleusma describes the Lord's authoritative shout that triggers the resurrection of the dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does keleusma mean in the Bible?

Keleusma is a Greek noun meaning a sharp command or shout used to rouse people to action. It appears only once in Scripture, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The term conveys urgency and authority, describing the voice of the Lord at His return.

Why is this word significant in 1 Thessalonians 4:16?

Its significance lies in its intensity. Unlike a gentle call, keleusma implies a powerful signal that demands immediate response. Paul uses it to emphasize the decisive nature of Christ's return and the resurrection of believers.

How is keleusma different from other words for voice?

While other words like phone simply mean sound or voice, keleusma specifically refers to a command or signal. It carries connotations of authority and urgency, often used in military or nautical contexts to direct action.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Thessalonians 1 verse
I Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with God’s trumpet. The…