### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb eklégomai (`{{G1586}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ek (out of) and the verb légō (`{{G3004}}`), which in its primary sense means "to lay," "to pick," or "to gather." Thus, the core meaning of eklégomai is "to pick out," "to select," or "to choose from a larger group." The middle voice, in which this verb consistently appears, emphasizes that the subject performs the action for its own benefit or with a particular interest in the outcome. This implies a deliberate, intentional, and purposeful act of selection. The semantic range of eklégomai extends from simple human choices, such as selecting individuals for a task, to the profound divine act of choosing individuals or groups for a specific purpose, most notably for salvation and service. It always denotes a prior existence of options from which a particular one is singled out.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Eklégomai appears frequently in the New Testament, with its usage illuminating both human and divine agency in selection.
1. **Human Choice:** In some instances, the verb describes a human choice. For example, in [[Acts 15:22]], the apostles and elders in Jerusalem "chose men" to send to Antioch. Similarly, in [[Acts 15:25]], they deliberated and "decided to choose men" for the same mission. These instances highlight the active and intentional nature of human decision-making.
2. **Christ's Choice of Disciples:** The Gospels record Jesus' deliberate selection of His apostles. [[Luke 6:13]] states that Jesus "chose twelve, whom he also named apostles." This was not a random gathering but a purposeful selection for a specific ministry. [[John 6:70]] underscores this divine initiative, with Jesus stating, "Did I not choose you, the twelve?" even acknowledging the tragic exception of Judas. [[John 15:16]] further emphasizes, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." This highlights the divine initiative in establishing the relationship and commissioning for service.
3. **Divine Election for Salvation and Purpose:** The most profound theological use of eklégomai refers to God's sovereign choice.
* **Israel's Election:** In [[Acts 13:17]], Paul recounts how "the God of this people Israel chose our fathers." This echoes the Old Testament theme of God's covenantal choice of Israel, not based on their merit, but on His love and purpose (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
* **Believers' Election:** The New Testament extends this concept to the church, the new people of God. [[Ephesians 1:4]] states that God "chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love." This passage underscores the eternality, divine initiative, and purposeful nature (holiness) of God's election. [[James 2:5]] speaks of God having "chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom." [[1 Peter 2:9]] describes believers as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession," echoing Old Testament language for Israel and applying it to the church.
* **Election for Specific Service:** God's choice is also seen in specific callings, such as Paul's, who was a "chosen instrument" (`{{G1586}}` is not used here, but eklogēs (`{{G1589}}`) is related in [[Acts 9:15]]) to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of eklégomai is enriched by examining its relationship with other key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **eklektós (`{{G1588}}`):** This is the adjective and noun form derived directly from eklégomai, meaning "chosen" or "elect." It refers to those who have been chosen by God, emphasizing their status as divinely selected (e.g., [[Matthew 24:22]], [[Romans 8:33]], [[Colossians 3:12]]).
* **kaléō (`{{G2564}}`):** "To call" or "to invite." While election is God's sovereign choice, calling is His invitation to respond to that choice. Not all who are "called" are necessarily "chosen" in the ultimate sense of salvation, as seen in [[Matthew 22:14]]: "For many are called, but few are chosen."
* **proorízō (`{{G4309}}`):** "To predestine" or "to predetermine." This word speaks to God's prior determination of an outcome or purpose. Election (the act of choosing) is often understood as the means by which God's predestined purposes are brought to fruition (e.g., [[Romans 8:29-30]], [[Ephesians 1:5]], [[Ephesians 1:11]]).
* **bāḥar (`{{H977}}`):** The primary Hebrew verb in the Old Testament for "to choose" or "to select." It is frequently used to describe God's choice of Abraham, Israel, Jerusalem, and individuals for specific roles (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:6]], [[1 Samuel 16:8-10]]). The New Testament concept of eklégomai builds upon this rich Old Testament theological foundation of divine election.
* **Covenant:** The concept of God's choosing is deeply intertwined with His establishment of covenants, where He graciously selects a people for Himself and enters into a relationship with them.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of eklégomai is profound, centering on the doctrine of divine election.
1. **God's Sovereignty and Initiative:** The use of eklégomai highlights God's absolute sovereignty in salvation. He is the one who initiates the choice, not humanity. This underscores that salvation is fundamentally a work of divine grace, not human merit or effort. God's choice precedes and enables human response.
2. **Unmerited Grace:** Election by God is an act of unmerited favor. It is not based on any foreseen good in the chosen, but solely on God's benevolent will and purpose (e.g., [[Romans 9:11-13]]). This truth should foster profound humility and gratitude in believers.
3. **Purposeful Choice:** God's election is never arbitrary; it is always for a specific purpose. He chooses people to be holy and blameless ([[Ephesians 1:4]]), to bear fruit ([[John 15:16]]), to proclaim His excellencies ([[1 Peter 2:9]]), and to inherit the kingdom ([[James 2:5]]). Election is not merely for salvation *from* something, but for salvation *unto* something—a life of godliness, service, and witness.
4. **Assurance and Security:** For those who believe they are among the chosen, eklégomai offers immense assurance. If God, in His sovereign will, has chosen them, then His purpose for them will surely be accomplished, providing a basis for confidence in His faithfulness and perseverance.
5. **Responsibility and Humility:** While election emphasizes God's initiative, it does not negate human responsibility to believe and obey. Rather, it provides the very ground for that response. The doctrine should lead to humility, acknowledging that one's salvation is entirely a gift, and to a deepened commitment to live out the purpose for which one was chosen.
### Summary
The Greek verb eklégomai (`{{G1586}}`) signifies a deliberate and purposeful act of "picking out" or "choosing from a larger group." While it can describe human selection, its most significant use in the New Testament is in reference to God's sovereign election. This divine choice is foundational to the biblical understanding of salvation, highlighting God's initiative, unmerited grace, and specific purpose for those He chooses. Closely related to eklektós (`{{G1588}}`) and building upon the Old Testament concept of divine selection (bāḥar `{{H977}}`), eklégomai underscores the profound truth that believers are God's chosen people, called to holiness and service through His eternal and gracious will. This truth fosters humility, gratitude, and assurance in the believer's walk with God.
TRV