κέλευσμα

a word of command, a call

Definition

κέλευσμα refers to a loud, authoritative command or summons, often given by a leader or commander. In its single New Testament occurrence (1 Thessalonians 4:16), it describes the powerful, divine shout of command issued by the Lord Jesus Christ at His return. This is not a mere suggestion but an irresistible, sovereign call. The word carries connotations of military or naval authority, like a captain's order to troops or a coxswain's shout to rowers, implying immediate and decisive action.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. It is used in the specific eschatological context of Christ's second coming. The pattern is singular and dramatic: it describes the Lord's own commanding cry that initiates the resurrection of the dead in Christ. There is no other usage in biblical texts to compare, making its application in this verse uniquely significant.

Etymology

Derived from the verb κελεύω (keleuō, G2753), meaning 'to command, order, or urge.' The noun form κέλευσμα specifically denotes the thing commanded—the shout, cry, or order itself. It is related to words for a herald's proclamation or a military command, emphasizing authority and the expectation of obedience.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the sovereign power of Christ in the resurrection. His κέλευσμα is the definitive, creative command that summons the dead to life, echoing God's life-giving word in creation. It underscores that the resurrection is an act of divine authority, not a natural process. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 by highlighting the certainty, power, and immediacy of Christ's return and our resurrection.

In the Greco-Roman world, a κέλευσμα was understood as a sharp, loud command from an authority figure, such as a military general, a ship's captain, or a herald. It demanded an instant and unquestioning response. This cultural backdrop makes Paul's use powerfully evocative: Christ's return is portrayed with the ultimate authority, commanding the very dead to rise.

ἐντολή (entolē, G1785) — a commandment, often referring to a precept or law, less about a shouted order. φωνή (phōnē, G5456) — a voice or sound, broader and less specific to authoritative command. κράζω (krazō, G2896) — to cry out, emphasizing the sound, not necessarily the authority of the call.

Word Details

Scripture References