ἐκλεκτός

chosen, elect, choice, select

Definition

The adjective ἐκλεκτός means 'chosen out' or 'elect.' It primarily describes individuals or groups selected by God for a specific purpose or relationship. In the Gospels, it often refers to those chosen by God for salvation, as seen in the saying 'many are called, but few are chosen' (Matthew 22:14). It is used of angels (1 Timothy 5:21), the nation of Israel (Romans 11:7), and most importantly, of Jesus Christ as God's 'chosen' Messiah (Luke 23:35). For believers in the New Testament, it signifies Christians as God's elect, chosen for redemption and holy living (Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 1:1).

Biblical Usage

ἐκλεκτός is used 23 times in the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels (especially Matthew 24), the Pauline letters, and 1 Peter. In the Gospels, it often occurs in eschatological contexts discussing the end times and the gathering of the elect (Matthew 24:22, 24, 31; Mark 13:20, 22, 27). Paul uses it to describe believers as chosen by God's grace (Romans 8:33, Colossians 3:12), while Peter addresses his letters to the 'elect' exiles (1 Peter 1:1). The term consistently implies divine initiative and purpose.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, 'out of') and the verbal root λεκτός (lektos, 'chosen' or 'picked'), which comes from the verb λέγω (legō) in its sense 'to gather' or 'to pick out.' Thus, ἐκλεκτός literally means 'chosen out from' a larger group. This root emphasizes a selective process of calling or setting apart.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical doctrine of election, highlighting God's sovereign choice in salvation. It underscores that believers are in Christ not by their own merit but by God's gracious purpose (Ephesians 1:4). Understanding ἐκλεκτός enriches reading by emphasizing the security and calling of God's people, as seen in passages like Romans 8:33, where nothing can separate the elect from God's love. It connects the Old Testament concept of Israel as a chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6) with the New Testament church.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term could be used for selecting the best troops or choice items. However, the New Testament usage is deeply rooted in the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's chosen people (e.g., Deuteronomy 14:2). This background shapes its meaning, transferring the idea of a covenant people chosen for service and relationship from national Israel to the multinational community of believers in Christ.

κλητός (klētos, G2822) — emphasizes being 'called' or 'invited,' often paired with ἐκλεκτός to show the process from calling to choosing (e.g., Matthew 22:14). ἀγαπητός (agapētos, G27) — 'beloved,' sometimes used in similar contexts for those chosen and dearly loved by God (Colossians 3:12).

Word Details

Scripture References