μετακαλέω (metakaleō)
metakaleō
to summon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metakaleō means to call someone from one place to another, or simply to summon them. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within the book of Acts. It describes a deliberate act of sending for a person, often with an implied sense of urgency or official purpose.
Its meaning comes from its parts: meta ("from" or "after") and kaleō ("to call"). This distinguishes it from other words for inviting; metakaleō suggests drawing someone into your presence from elsewhere. For example, Cornelius sends men to summon Peter (Acts 10:32), and Paul calls the elders of Ephesus to meet him in Miletus (Acts 20:17). In each case, the action is concrete and directional.
Translators usually render it "send for" or "summon." The word carries a tone of authority or necessity, reflecting the social dynamics of the ancient world where calling someone to one’s presence was a significant act. It highlights the movement of people in the early church’s narrative, showing how leaders were gathered and instructions were delivered.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metakaleō describes a specific kind of calling: sending for someone to come into your presence. It is not a casual invitation but a deliberate summons that requires movement and attention. When we see this in Acts, it shows how the early church operated through direct, personal connection. Leaders did not rely on distant messages; they gathered people face-to-face to share truth and build community.
For your faith life, this reminds us that God often draws us into His presence with intentionality. Just as Cornelius sent for Peter or Paul called the elders from Ephesus, we can trust that our steps toward God are met with a reciprocal call. He invites us to come near, not to stand afar off. This word encourages us to value those moments when we are summoned to listen, learn, and respond.
It also highlights the importance of responding to God’s calls in our daily lives. Whether through Scripture, community, or quiet prayer, we are being invited into a deeper relationship. We do not need to manufacture these encounters; they come as gifts. Let us remain attentive to the ways He summons us, knowing that His call is always for our good and His glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he called for2×
- do yourself call for1×
- I will call for1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετεκαλέσατο2×
- μετακάλεσαι1×
- μετακαλέσομαί1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 10:32
Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
This verse shows Cornelius actively seeking Peter’s presence to receive the gospel message, demonstrating how the summons bridges social divides.
-
Acts 20:17
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
Paul uses this word to gather the Ephesian elders, highlighting the importance of direct accountability and shared teaching in leadership.
-
Acts 24:25
As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.”
Felix’s delayed summons reveals how human procrastination can hinder the impact of divine truth, even when it causes conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does metakaleō mean in the New Testament?
How is metakaleō different from other words for 'call'?
Why does this word appear only in Acts?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Acts 4 verses
Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his relatives, seventy-five souls.
Acts 10:32Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon,…
Acts 20:17From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the assembly.
Acts 24:25As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your…