ἐκλέγομαι

I choose, elect

Definition

ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai) means to choose or select, often with a sense of deliberate, purposeful selection from among alternatives. In the New Testament, it frequently carries the theological weight of divine election, as when God chooses individuals or groups for a specific purpose, such as Jesus choosing his disciples (Luke 6:13) or God choosing believers in Christ (John 15:16, 19). It can also denote a more ordinary human choice, as seen in Jesus' instruction to choose the less honorable seat at a feast (Luke 14:7) or Mary's choice of the 'good portion' (Luke 10:42). The term implies a selection that sets the chosen apart for a particular role or relationship.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 19 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (especially Luke and John) and Acts. Its usage splits between divine election and human choice. Key divine election passages include Jesus choosing the Twelve (Luke 6:13, John 6:70, 13:18, 15:16, 19) and God's election in the context of salvation (Mark 13:20). Instances of human choice include Mary choosing to listen to Jesus (Luke 10:42) and guests choosing places of honor (Luke 14:7). The pattern shows that when the subject is God or Jesus, the choice is sovereign and purposeful for redemption or mission.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of,' and the root related to λέγω (legō), which in this form means 'to say' or 'to gather.' The compound thus conveys the idea of 'choosing out' or 'selecting from' a group. It shares a root with words like ἐκλογή (eklogē, G1589, 'election'), emphasizing the act of selection. The prefix ἐκ highlights the distinction made by taking something or someone out of a larger set.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical doctrine of election, underscoring God's sovereign initiative in salvation. In passages like John 15:16 ('You did not choose me, but I chose you'), it emphasizes that believers' relationship with Christ originates in God's gracious choice, not human merit. Understanding ἐκλέγομαι enriches reading by highlighting themes of divine calling, purpose (as with the disciples in Luke 6:13), and the distinct identity of God's people (John 15:19). It challenges notions of human autonomy in salvation, pointing to God's prior action in Christ.

In the Greco-Roman world, choosing or electing was common in political and social contexts, such as selecting leaders or guests. However, the New Testament usage, especially in divine contexts, transforms this concept by tying it to God's covenantal love and mission. Unlike modern individualistic ideas of choice, biblical election often involves a corporate dimension—God chooses a people (e.g., the disciples as a group) for a shared purpose. This reflects a Hebraic understanding of selection for service and relationship within a community.

αἱρέομαι (haireomai, G138) — emphasizes a personal preference or choice based on deliberation, often human; ἐκλέκτός (eklektos, G1588) — an adjective meaning 'chosen' or 'elect,' describing the state of being selected; προαιρέομαι (proaireomai, G4255) — to choose beforehand or purpose, with a focus on prior intent.

Word Details

Scripture References