κελεύω (keleuō)
keleuō
to order
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb keleuō conveys the act of giving a direct command or order, typically by someone in a position of authority. Its root sense involves urging someone on, which gives the word a dynamic quality of active direction rather than passive request. In the New Testament, it appears twenty-six times, with significant usage in the Gospels and the Book of Acts to describe authoritative instructions.
This word often illustrates the immediate response to authority. For instance, in Matthew 14:19, Jesus commands the crowd to sit down before distributing the loaves, highlighting a practical directive that is followed without delay. Similarly, in Acts 25:6, Paul is ordered by Festus to appear in court, showing how keleuō functions in legal and administrative contexts where obedience is expected.
Translators usually render keleuō as "command" or "order," distinguishing it from softer terms like parakaleō (to urge or encourage). The sources note that while it shares a semantic field with entellomai, keleuō often carries the nuance of an urgent or immediate bid by word of mouth. Its consistent use in Acts underscores the structured nature of early Christian leadership and Roman legal procedures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word keleuō describes a direct order from someone with authority. It is not a gentle suggestion but a clear instruction that expects immediate action. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this word to give practical directions, such as telling crowds to sit down so He can feed them. This shows that divine authority often meets our daily needs with simple, actionable steps.
When we read about leaders in Acts issuing commands, it highlights the structured nature of the early church and Roman legal systems. These orders were not arbitrary; they were part of a system where obedience maintained order and justice. For your life, this reminds us that authority exists to guide and protect, whether in family, work, or community.
Understanding this word helps us see how God’s commands are meant to bring clarity and peace. Instead of vague wishes, we receive specific directions that lead to provision and safety. This brings a sense of stability to our faith journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he commanded5×
- having commanded3×
- he commanded [them]2×
- do command2×
- commanded2×
- I commanded2×
- you command1×
- when was commanding1×
- were commanding1×
- he ordered1×
- he commanded [it]1×
- he commanded [him]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκέλευσεν14×
- κελεύσας3×
- ἐκέλευσα2×
- ἐκέλευσέν1×
- ἐκέλευον1×
- κέλευσόν1×
- κέλευσον1×
- κελεύσαντος1×
- κελεύεις1×
- Κελεύσαντες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:19
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
Jesus uses this command to organize the crowd for the miracle of feeding the five thousand, showing how divine authority provides for practical needs.
-
Acts 25:6
When he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought.
Festus orders Paul to be brought before the court, illustrating the word's role in formal legal proceedings where obedience is required.
-
Matthew 8:18
Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.
Jesus gives a direct order to depart for the other side, demonstrating immediate compliance with His authority even when the reason is not yet explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word keleuō mean?
How is keleuō different from parakaleō?
Where does keleuō appear most often?
Every Occurrence (26 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.
Matthew 14:9The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be…
Matthew 14:19He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to…
Matthew 14:28Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
Matthew 18:25But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and…
Matthew 27:58This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.
Matthew 27:64Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…