Word Study for G1588 (ἐκλεκτός)

eklektós /ek-lek-tos'/ Ask about this word

Meaningselect; by implication, favorite

KJV usagechosen, elect.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of eklektós — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word eklektós, represented by G1588, is derived from ἐκλέγομαι and means to select or, by implication, a favorite. It is translated as chosen or elect. Appearing 24 times across 23 unique verses, this term is significant in describing a special status conferred by God.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G1588 is used to define the identity of God's people. They are described as a "chosen generation" 1 Peter 2:9 and "the elect of God, holy and beloved" Colossians 3:12. The term also applies supremely to Christ, who is called the "chosen of God" Luke 23:35 and a "chief corner stone, elect, precious" 1 Peter 2:6. Furthermore, the word highlights the security of believers; for the "elect's sake" the days of tribulation will be shortened Matthew 24:22, and it is asserted that false prophets would deceive "the very elect," if that were possible Matthew 24:24.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the meaning and context of being chosen:

G1586 eklégomai (to select): As the root word, it specifies the act of choosing. Mark 13:20 links the two directly, mentioning "the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen."
G2822 klētós (called): This term is often used alongside eklektós to describe a sequence in God's saving work. Revelation 17:14 describes followers of the Lamb as "called, and chosen, and faithful," while Matthew 22:14 contrasts that many are called, but few are chosen.
G40 hágios (holy): The state of being elect is closely associated with holiness. The elect are described as "holy and beloved" Colossians 3:12 and are part of an "holy nation" 1 Peter 2:9.
G1344 dikaióō (to render just or innocent): This word establishes the legal standing of the elect before God. Romans 8:33 asks who can bring a charge against God's elect, since "It is God that justifieth."

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1588 is significant, touching on core doctrines of salvation and identity.

Divine Election: The term points to a divine initiative originating in God's sovereign will. Believers are "Elect according to the foreknowledge G4268 of God the Father" 1 Peter 1:2, chosen "through sanctification G38 of the Spirit G4151."
Christ as the Chosen One: Christ is the preeminent elect one. He is the "living stone... chosen of God, and precious" 1 Peter 2:4. The election of believers is rooted in their connection to him.
Purpose and Vocation: The elect are not chosen without purpose. They are a "chosen generation" in order to "shew forth G1804 the praises" of the one who called them 1 Peter 2:9. Their election is "unto obedience G5218" 1 Peter 1:2.
Perseverance and Security: God protects His chosen. He will avenge His own elect Luke 18:7, and for their sake, days of tribulation are shortened G2856 to ensure they are saved G4982 Matthew 24:22. The apostle endures all things for the elect's sakes, so they might obtain salvation G4991 2 Timothy 2:10.

Summary

In summary, G1588 is a foundational term that defines the status and identity of those selected by God. It applies not only to believers, such as Rufus who was "chosen in the Lord" Romans 16:13, but also to "elect angels" 1 Timothy 5:21 and supremely to Christ himself. The word eklektós underpins the theological concepts of divine sovereignty in salvation, the security of God's people, and their ultimate calling to be a holy nation set apart for His purposes. It moves beyond a simple definition of "select" to describe a cherished and protected relationship with God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as an adjective and a noun across 24 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

ἐκλεκτοὺς
ἐκλεκτῶν
ἐκλεκτοὶ
ἐκλεκτὸν
υἱὸς
ἐκλεκτοῖς
ἐκλεκτῇ
ἐκλεκτῆς
ἐκλεκτόν

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 23 verses across 11 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (5 verses); never once in the other 16.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

Romans

Colossians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

1 Peter

2 John

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.