κλῆσις (klēsis)
klēsis
calling
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun klēsis refers to a divine calling, specifically God’s invitation to embrace salvation. It appears eleven times in the New Testament, with significant usage in Paul’s letters such as Ephesians, 1 Corinthians, and Romans. This term is not used for human invitations or casual summons, but always for the sovereign act of God drawing people into relationship with Him.
Its root verb, kaleō, means to call or invite. In Scripture, this calling is portrayed as purposeful and effective. For example, in Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, linking the concept to ethical living. Similarly, Romans 11:29 describes God’s gifts and calling as irrevocable, emphasizing its permanence.
Translators typically render klēsis as "calling," though this may understate its weight. The term implies a decisive shift in identity and destiny, initiated by God alone. It carries theological significance, underscoring that salvation begins with divine initiative rather than human effort.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we speak of God’s calling, we are not talking about a casual invitation that can be politely declined or forgotten. The Greek word klēsis points to a decisive, sovereign act where God draws us into relationship with Himself. It is an initiative that begins with Him, not with our own merit or effort. This truth offers profound comfort: your standing before God rests on His faithful purpose, not on the fluctuating quality of your performance.
This calling carries a weighty responsibility to live in a way that honors the One who summoned you. Paul urges believers to walk worthily of this high calling, linking their daily conduct to their eternal identity. It is a call to integrity, unity, and hope. As you navigate life’s challenges, remember that your identity is secured by God’s grace, inviting you to respond with gratitude and steady faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- calling9×
- with a calling1×
- of [the] calling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κλήσεως6×
- κλῆσιν2×
- κλήσει2×
- κλῆσις1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
This verse emphasizes the permanence of God's calling, assuring believers that His invitation to salvation is irrevocable and steadfast.
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Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called,
Paul connects the concept of calling directly to ethical living, urging believers to walk in a manner worthy of this divine summons.
-
II Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
This occurrence highlights that the calling is holy and based on God's purpose and grace rather than human works.
-
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul describes this as a 'high calling,' motivating believers to press forward toward the goal set by God in Christ Jesus.