akin to the base of κελεύω; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):--bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καλέω (kaléō, `{{G2564}}`) fundamentally means "to call." Its etymology suggests a connection to κελεύω (keleuō), which means "to command" or "to order," implying an inherent authority or purpose behind the act of calling. While its primary sense is an audible summons, "properly, aloud," its semantic range in the New Testament is remarkably broad, encompassing various applications:
1. **Summons or Invitation:** To call someone to a specific place, event, or to one's presence. This includes inviting guests to a feast or summoning individuals before an authority.
2. **Naming or Designation:** To give a name to someone or something, or to be designated or known by a particular name or title. This can refer to a literal name or a descriptive appellation.
3. **Divine Vocation or Appointment:** Most significantly, it refers to God's sovereign act of calling individuals to Himself, to salvation, to a specific purpose, or to a particular status (e.g., "saints"). This is often an effectual call, leading to a transformative response.
4. **Invocation:** To call upon a deity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καλέω appears frequently in the New Testament, revealing its diverse applications.
In the Gospels, it is often used for:
* **Jesus calling disciples:** Jesus "called" His first disciples to follow Him, signifying a radical shift in their lives and purpose (e.g., [[Matthew 4:21]], [[Mark 1:20]], [[Luke 5:32]]). This is a call to discipleship and a new way of life.
* **Naming individuals:** The act of naming children, such as John the Baptist or Jesus Himself, is expressed by καλέω (e.g., [[Luke 1:13]], [[Luke 1:59]], [[Luke 2:21]], [[Matthew 1:21]]). It also describes being called by a certain title, such as "children of God" ([[Matthew 5:9]]) or "prophet of the Most High" ([[Luke 1:76]]).
* **Invitations:** The calling of guests to a wedding feast or a banquet is commonly described by this verb, often in parables illustrating the Kingdom of God (e.g., [[Matthew 22:3]], [[Luke 14:7-10]]).
In the Epistles, particularly Pauline literature, the theological depth of καλέω becomes most apparent:
* **God's Sovereign Call to Salvation:** This is arguably the most profound usage. God "calls" individuals to salvation, to His kingdom, to grace, to peace, and to eternal life (e.g., [[Romans 8:28]], [[Romans 9:24]], [[1 Corinthians 1:9]], [[Galatians 1:6]], [[Ephesians 4:1]], [[1 Thessalonians 2:12]], [[2 Timothy 1:9]], [[Hebrews 5:4]], [[1 Peter 2:9]]). This divine call is often presented as an expression of God's prior purpose and election, leading to justification and glorification. It is an effective call, not merely an offer.
* **Defining Identity:** Believers are "called saints" or "called to be saints" (e.g., [[Romans 1:7]], [[1 Corinthians 1:2]]), signifying their new status and holy purpose in Christ.
* **Calling to a Specific Task:** Paul frequently refers to himself as "called to be an apostle" (e.g., [[Romans 1:1]], [[1 Corinthians 1:1]]), indicating a divine appointment to a specific ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding καλέω is greatly enhanced by examining its cognates and related terms:
* **`{{G2821}}` (klēsis):** This noun, derived directly from καλέω, means "a calling," "an invitation," or "a vocation." It refers to the *act* of calling or the *state* of being called. It is central to understanding the divine call to salvation and ministry (e.g., [[Romans 11:29]], [[Ephesians 1:18]], [[Ephesians 4:1]], [[2 Thessalonians 1:11]], [[2 Timothy 1:9]], [[Hebrews 3:1]], [[2 Peter 1:10]]).
* **`{{G2822}}` (klētós):** This adjective, also derived from καλέω, means "called" or "invited." It often describes those who are divinely chosen or appointed (e.g., "called to be saints" in [[Romans 1:7]], "many are called, but few are chosen" in [[Matthew 22:14]]).
* **`{{G4377}}` (proskaléō):** A compound verb meaning "to call to oneself," "to summon." Often used for Jesus calling people to Him (e.g., [[Mark 3:13]]).
* **`{{G1540}}` (ekkaléō):** "to call out," though less common in the NT.
The concept of God's "call" is intimately linked to broader theological themes such as:
* **Election/Predestination:** The divine call is often presented as the outworking of God's eternal purpose and choice.
* **Covenant:** God's calling of Abraham, Israel, and then the Church, into a special relationship.
* **Vocation:** The idea that every believer has a divine calling, both generally to Christ and specifically to various forms of service within His Kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καλέω is profound, particularly in its application to God's interaction with humanity:
1. **Divine Initiative:** The consistent portrayal of God as the one who "calls" underscores His sovereign initiative in salvation. Humanity does not primarily seek God; rather, God graciously calls humanity to Himself. This highlights God's love, grace, and active involvement in the world.
2. **Purpose and Destiny:** God's call is never arbitrary; it is always purposeful. It directs individuals towards salvation, sanctification, and a specific destiny in Christ. To be "called" by God implies a pre-ordained plan and a divine intention for one's life.
3. **Effectual Grace:** Especially in Pauline theology, the divine call (κλῆσις) is often presented as an effectual call. It is not merely an invitation that can be accepted or rejected at will, but a powerful, transformative summons that brings about a response of faith and leads inevitably to justification and glorification (e.g., [[Romans 8:30]]). This highlights the irresistible nature of God's saving grace.
4. **Identity in Christ:** Being "called" by God fundamentally shapes one's identity. Believers are "called saints" or "called to be saints," indicating their new status as set apart for God, holy and beloved. This calling confers dignity, purpose, and belonging within the community of faith.
5. **Foundation for Ministry:** The concept of being "called" also applies to specific ministries and roles within the church, emphasizing that service flows from divine appointment rather than human ambition (e.g., Paul's apostleship).
### Summary
The Greek verb καλέω (kaléō, `{{G2564}}`) is a rich and multifaceted term meaning "to call." While it encompasses general senses such as summoning, inviting, and naming, its most profound theological usage in the New Testament pertains to God's sovereign and effectual call to salvation, discipleship, and service. This divine call is an expression of God's initiative and grace, shaping the identity and destiny of those who are called. Through its cognates, particularly the noun κλῆσις (klēsis, `{{G2821}}`) and the adjective κλητός (klētós, `{{G2822}}`), the concept of a divine vocation and the transformative power of God's summons are deeply embedded within biblical theology, underscoring God's purposeful engagement with humanity.
TRV