The meaning of “ἐκλέγομαι”
Understanding eklégomai reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
middle voice from ἐκ and λέγω (in its primary sense) make choice, choose (out), chosen. - to select
ἐκλέγομαι
middle voice from ἐκ and λέγω (in its primary sense) make choice, choose (out), chosen. - to select
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Mark 13:20 | “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” Word: ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai) | |
| Luke 10:42 | “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ” Word: ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai) | |
| John 15:16 | “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Word: ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai) | |
| Acts 13:17 | “The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.” Word: ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai) | |
| 1 Corinthians 1:28 | “And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:” Word: ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai) |
Theological Word Study: Elect
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To choose, select, elect
The Hebrew bachar (בָּחַר) means to choose or select—God's sovereign election. 'The LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself' (Deuteronomy 7:6).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Elect, chosen
The Greek eklektos (ἐκλεκτός) means chosen or elect—those selected by God. Believers are 'elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father' (1 Peter 1:2).