English · KJV
G2564

καλέω

kaléō /kal-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootakin to the base of κελεύω
Meaningto "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
KJV usagebid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of kaléō — 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 καλέω (kaléō), represented by G2564, means to "call". It appears 155 times in 138 unique verses. The term is used in a variety of applications, from the literal act of calling out loud to the more figurative senses of giving a name, bidding, or inviting.

The nuance of G2564 often implies a purposeful summons, extending beyond a mere vocalization to convey authority or intent. When an individual is "called," particularly by a divine agent, it suggests a designation or an initiation into a new status or relationship. This calling is frequently presented as an efficacious act, where the utterance itself brings about the intended state or identity, rather than simply offering an option for response. This deliberate and often transformative aspect of the "call" differentiates it from a casual invitation, underscoring a divine prerogative that shapes destiny and identity, as seen in the naming of Jesus and the calling of sinners.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2564 is frequently used for the act of naming. An angel instructs that a son will be born and "thou shalt call his name John" Luke 1:13. This is also seen in the naming of Jesus Matthew 1:21 and the interpretation of Emmanuel, a name which they shall call him Matthew 1:23. Beyond naming, it describes a divine invitation, as when Jesus states he came not to call the righteous, but sinners Matthew 9:13. It also establishes a new identity, where peacemakers shall be called the children of God Matthew 5:9 and Abraham was called the Friend of God James 2:23.

Beyond the naming of individuals and the divine invitation to salvation, G2564 also functions to identify places and objects, lending them a specific designation. For instance, the mount from which the disciples returned to Jerusalem is specifically "called Olivet" Acts 1:12, and a tempestuous wind is named "Euroclydon" Acts 27:14. This use highlights the descriptive power of the verb, establishing a common understanding or identity for various elements within the narrative. Furthermore, G2564 frequently describes the human act of inviting to social gatherings, such as a wedding John 2:2 or a dinner, where specific instructions are given on whom to "call" to a feast, contrasting friends with the poor, maimed, lame, and blind Luke 14:12, Luke 14:13. This contrast underscores a broader theological point about whom God calls, often those overlooked by human standards. The term also appears in contexts of appointing or designating individuals to specific roles, as when Jesus "called" his disciples to follow him Mark 1:20, or when Herod "called" the wise men for information Matthew 2:7, demonstrating a range from divine election to human administrative summons.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand on the concept of calling:

  • G3870 parakaléō (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke): A compound of kaléō, this word emphasizes calling someone near for exhortation or comfort, as seen when believers are beseeched to walk worthy of the vocation to which they are called Ephesians 4:1.
  • G479 antikaléō (to invite in return): This specific term describes a reciprocal invitation. It is used in the instruction not to call friends to a supper, lest they bid thee again in return Luke 14:12.
  • G3686 ónoma (a "name"): This word is intrinsically linked to kaléō in contexts of assigning identity. The act of calling is often directed at establishing a name, such as when an angel directs Joseph to call his name JESUS Matthew 1:21.
  • G2605 katangéllō (to proclaim, declare): While not a direct compound of kaléō, this word shares the semantic domain of public utterance and authoritative declaration. If kaléō often denotes a summons or naming, katangéllō describes the forceful and widespread announcement of a message or truth, implicitly involving a "calling out" to an audience.
  • G2570 kalós (good, beautiful): Although etymologically distinct from kaléō, this adjective frequently describes the quality or character associated with those who are "called" by God, or the nature of the calling itself. For example, being "called the children of God" Matthew 5:9 implies a status of inherent goodness and divine favor. The divine call often leads to that which is kalós, or to a state of being considered kalós in God's eyes.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2564 is profound, central to the doctrine of salvation and Christian identity.

  • The Divine Call: The act of being called by God is foundational. It is not based on works, but on His own purpose and grace 2 Timothy 1:9. This call is part of a divine sequence, where those God predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified and glorified Romans 8:30.
  • New Identity and Relationship: Being called by God confers a new status and identity upon believers. They are called "the sons of God" 1 John 3:1, which establishes their new relationship with the Father. Similarly, they are a "holy nation" called out of darkness into His marvellous light 1 Peter 2:9.
  • A Call to a Specific Conduct: The calling is not merely positional but practical. Believers are called unto liberty Galatians 5:13 and to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called Ephesians 4:1. This includes being called to be holy in all conversation 1 Peter 1:15 and to inherit a blessing 1 Peter 3:9.
  • The Call to Fellowship and Unity: God's call is not merely individualistic but draws believers into a corporate relationship, fostering unity within the body of Christ. Believers are "called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" 1 Corinthians 1:9, emphasizing a shared communion with Christ and, by extension, with one another. This call also establishes a collective identity, as "ye are called in one body" Colossians 3:15, reinforcing the imperative for peace and harmonious living among those who share this divine summons.
  • The Call to Endure Suffering and Inherit Glory: The divine calling often encompasses a path that includes hardship and suffering, yet it is ultimately directed towards eternal glory. Christ's own suffering serves as an example for those "called" to follow His steps 1 Peter 2:21. Furthermore, God, "who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus," sustains believers through trials, promising to "make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" 1 Peter 5:10. This perspective reframes suffering not as an aberration, but as an integral part of the journey towards the glorious inheritance promised to the called 1 Peter 3:9.
  • The Efficacious Nature of God's Call: The divine call, unlike human invitations, carries an inherent power to accomplish its purpose. It is not merely an offer but a sovereign act that initiates and secures salvation, as God "calleth those things which be not as though they were" Romans 4:17. This efficacious call is foundational to God's redemptive plan, ensuring that "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" 1 Thessalonians 5:24, thereby guaranteeing the fulfillment of His promises and the ultimate glorification of those He has chosen Romans 8:30.

Summary

The Greek word G2564 kaléō encapsulates a broad spectrum of meaning, from a simple summons to profound theological declarations. At its most basic, it denotes the act of calling out, whether to individuals or to identify places and objects. This descriptive function establishes identity, as seen in the naming of figures like Jesus and John the Baptist, or the designation of locations such as the mount Olivet Acts 1:12. It also describes common social interactions, like inviting guests to a feast, though even here, Jesus uses the context to highlight a divine principle of inclusivity Luke 14:12, Luke 14:13.

The deeper significance of G2564 lies in its application to God's redemptive work. The divine call is a foundational aspect of salvation, initiated by God's sovereign purpose and grace, not human merit 2 Timothy 1:9. This call is presented as an efficacious act, where God summons into existence that which is not Romans 4:17, and faithfully brings to completion what He begins 1 Thessalonians 5:24. It establishes a new identity for believers, transforming them into "children of God" 1 John 3:1 and a "holy nation" 1 Peter 2:9, setting them apart from the world.

The divine calling is inherently relational and purposeful. It draws individuals into a unique "fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 1:9, fostering unity within the collective body of believers Colossians 3:15. This call also mandates a specific conduct, urging believers towards holiness 1 Peter 1:15 and a walk worthy of their new vocation Ephesians 4:1. Intriguingly, it is also a call to endure suffering, following Christ's example, with the ultimate promise of inheriting eternal glory 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 5:10.

In essence, G2564 transcends a mere verbal act to represent God's active involvement in human history and individual lives. It signifies His purposeful invitation, His transformative designation, and His unwavering commitment to bringing His chosen ones into a profound relationship, a distinct identity, and an eternal destiny, all secured by His faithful call.

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 a verb across 148 occurrences, inflected in 57 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.

  • κληθήσεται
  • ἐκάλεσεν
  • καλούμενον
  • ἐκλήθητε
  • ἐκλήθη
  • καλούμενος
  • καλέσας
  • καλεῖ
  • καλεῖται
  • καλέσαι
  • καλέσαντος
  • κληθῆναι

Related Words

Related

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.

G3870 παρακαλέω to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) G479 ἀντικαλέω to invite in return G3686 ὄνομα a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) G2605 καταγγέλλω to proclaim, promulgate G2570 καλός of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or…

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 138 verses across 20 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (39 verses); never once in the other 7.

25
Matthew
3
Mark
39
Luke
3
John
16
Acts
7
Romans
10
1 Corinthians
4
Galatians
2
Ephesians
1
Colossians
3
1 Thessalonians
1
2 Thessalonians
1
1 Timothy
1
2 Timothy
6
Hebrews
1
James
6
1 Peter
1
2 Peter
1
1 John
7
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.