from a compound of ἐκ and a derivative of καλέω; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekklēsía**, represented by `{{G1577}}`, is derived from a term meaning "a calling out" and is primarily translated as **church** or **assembly**. It appears 118 times in 115 unique verses, highlighting its importance. The term broadly refers to a religious congregation, which can mean a specific Christian community, the entire body of saints on earth or in heaven, or even a Jewish synagogue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1577}}` is used in multiple contexts to define the community of believers. It is established on Christ's promise, "upon this rock I will build my **church**" [[Matthew 16:18]]. It often refers to specific, localized groups of believers, such as "the seven **churches** which are in Asia" [[Revelation 1:4]] or "the **church** that was at Antioch" [[Acts 13:1]]. The word also describes the universal body of believers, with Christ as "the **head** `{{G2776}}` of the **body** `{{G4983}}`, the **church**" [[Colossians 1:18]]. This collective group is shown experiencing both times of **peace** `{{G1515}}` and rest [[Acts 9:31]] and periods of intense **persecution** `{{G1375}}` [[Acts 8:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the structure and nature of the **church**:
* `{{G1985}}` **epískopos** (overseer): This refers to a superintendent or Christian officer in charge of a **church**. The Holy **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` appoints **overseers** "to **feed** `{{G4165}}` the **church** of God" [[Acts 20:28]].
* `{{G40}}` **hágios** (saint): Meaning sacred or holy, this term describes the members of the **church**. Paul addresses letters to the **church** at Corinth and "to all the **saints** which are in all Achaia" [[2 Corinthians 1:1]], and speaks of practices common in "all **churches** of the **saints**" [[1 Corinthians 14:33]].
* `{{G3619}}` **oikodomḗ** (building, edification): This word, meaning a structure or confirmation, describes a primary purpose of the gathering. Spiritual gifts like prophecy are for the **church** to "receive **edifying**" [[1 Corinthians 14:5]], and a result of the comfort of the Holy **Spirit** is that the churches "were edified" [[Acts 9:31]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): This term for a brother, literally or figuratively, underscores the familial nature of the **church**. It is in the midst of the **church** that praise is declared to the **brethren** [[Hebrews 2:12]], and it is the **brethren** who are sent out by the **church** [[Acts 15:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1577}}` is immense, framing the identity of believers and their relationship to Christ.
* **The Body of Christ:** The **church** is consistently described as the **body** `{{G4983}}` for which Christ is the **head** `{{G2776}}` ([[Ephesians 1:22]], [[Colossians 1:18]]). He is also identified as "the **saviour** `{{G4990}}` of the **body**" [[Ephesians 5:23]].
* **Purchased by Blood:** The **church** is not a man-made organization but was divinely acquired. It is "the **church** of God, which he hath **purchased** `{{G4046}}` with his own **blood** `{{G129}}`" [[Acts 20:28]].
* **Pillar of Truth:** It has the high calling of being the " **house** `{{G3624}}` of God," which is identified as "the **church** of the living God, the **pillar** `{{G4769}}` and **ground** `{{G1477}}` of the **truth** `{{G225}}`" [[1 Timothy 3:15]].
* **Object of Christ's Love:** The relationship between Christ and the **church** is one of sacrificial love. Scripture states that "Christ also loved the **church**, and **gave** `{{G3860}}` himself for it" so that He could present it as glorious, **holy** `{{G40}}`, and without blemish ([[Ephesians 5:25]], [[Ephesians 5:27]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1577}}` is far more than a reference to a building or a simple meeting. It defines the "called out" people of God, encompassing both local assemblies and the universal body of believers throughout history. The **church** finds its identity as the **body** of Christ, purchased by his **blood**, loved by him, and established as the foundation of **truth** in the world. Its very existence is a testimony to God's redemptive plan.
TRV