κλητός

called, summoned

Definition

The adjective κλητός (klētos) means 'called' or 'summoned,' specifically indicating a divine invitation or appointment. In the New Testament, it primarily describes those who are called by God to salvation and into a relationship with Him, as seen in Romans 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:2. It can also refer to being called to a specific office or role, such as Paul being 'called to be an apostle' (Romans 1:1). In the Gospels, it appears in parables about invitation, like the wedding feast in Matthew 22:14, which highlights the universal call and the necessity of a faithful response.

Biblical Usage

This word is used 11 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles (Romans, 1 Corinthians) to describe Christians as the 'called' of God. In Romans 8:28, it is part of the phrase 'to those who are called according to His purpose,' emphasizing God's sovereign initiative. In the Gospels, it appears in the parables of Jesus (Matthew 20:16, 22:14) to illustrate the nature of God's invitation to the kingdom, which is broad but requires a genuine response.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb καλέω (kaleō), meaning 'to call' or 'to summon.' The adjective κλητός is the verbal adjective form, literally meaning 'one who is called.' It is related to other words like κλῆσις (klēsis, G2821), meaning 'calling,' and ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, G1577), meaning 'assembly' or 'church,' which is literally 'the called-out ones.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the doctrine of divine calling. It highlights that salvation originates with God's initiative, not human merit (Romans 8:28-30). Understanding κλητός enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that believers are not merely volunteers but divinely appointed and invited into God's purposes, which carries implications for identity, security, and mission within the Christian life.

In the Greco-Roman world, a 'calling' or summons often carried official or legal weight, such as being called to court or to a public office. Jesus' parables using this term (e.g., Matthew 22:1-14) would resonate with cultural practices of inviting guests to a feast, where refusing a royal invitation was a serious social offense. This context amplifies the gravity of responding to God's call.

καλέω (kaleō, G2564) — the verb 'to call,' denoting the action of calling. κλῆσις (klēsis, G2821) — the noun 'calling,' referring to the act or state of being called. ἐκλεκτός (eklektos, G1588) — 'chosen' or 'elect,' emphasizing selection, often overlapping with but distinct from the idea of being summoned.

Word Details

Scripture References