### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κέλευμα (kéleuma, `{{G2752}}`) derives from the verb κελεύω (keleuō, `{{G2753}}`), meaning "to command," "to order," or "to urge on." Consequently, κέλευμα carries the primary meaning of an authoritative command, an order, or a summons. It is not merely a sound or a cry, but specifically a call to action, an incitement, or a directive issued with authority. The term often implies a loud, distinct utterance, such as a military command, a ship's captain's order, or a charioteer's shout to his horses, designed to elicit an immediate and specific response. Its semantic range emphasizes the commanding nature and the expected obedience to the uttered word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κέλευμα (kéleuma, `{{G2752}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]]: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a **shout** (κέλευμα), with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first."
In this singular occurrence, the κέλευμα is a pivotal element in Paul's description of the parousia, the second coming of Christ. It is a divine, authoritative command that initiates the resurrection of the dead in Christ. The pairing of the κέλευμα with "the voice of the archangel" (φωνὴ ἀρχαγγέλου, phōnē archangelou) and "the trumpet of God" (σάλπιγγι θεοῦ, salpiggi theou) underscores its cosmic and eschatological significance. This is not a human cry but a powerful, effective decree from the divine realm, signaling the commencement of a momentous, world-altering event. The "shout" is the divine summons that calls the dead to life, demonstrating Christ's absolute power and authority over life, death, and the grave.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to its verbal root, κελεύω (keleuō, `{{G2753}}`), which consistently denotes the act of commanding or ordering. Understanding this root reinforces the authoritative nature of κέλευμα. Other related terms and concepts include:
* **φωνή (phōnē, `{{G5456}}`):** A general term for voice, sound, or noise. While κέλευμα is a specific *type* of φωνή, it carries the added nuance of command and authority, distinguishing it from a mere sound.
* **σάλπιγξ (salpigx, `{{G4536}}`):** Trumpet. Frequently associated with divine pronouncements, judgment, and eschatological events in both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., [[Exodus 19:16]], [[Matthew 24:31]], [[1 Corinthians 15:52]], [[Revelation 1:10]]). Its inclusion alongside κέλευμα in [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]] highlights the solemnity and divine origin of the event.
* **Divine Command:** The concept of God's authoritative word bringing about creation or redemption (e.g., [[Genesis 1:3]], [[Psalm 33:9]]). The κέλευμα in [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]] is an ultimate demonstration of this divine creative and transformative power.
* **Resurrection:** The central theological concept enabled by this divine "shout," emphasizing God's power over death.
* **Eschatology/Parousia:** The study of end times and the second coming of Christ, which is the immediate context for the use of κέλευμα.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of κέλευμα (kéleuma, `{{G2752}}`) in [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]] carries immense theological weight. It signifies the absolute authority and power of Jesus Christ in His return. The "shout" is not a call for attention but a divine command that directly effects the resurrection of the dead in Christ. This demonstrates:
1. **Christ's Sovereignty:** His return is not a passive event but an active, commanding display of His dominion over all creation, including the realm of death.
2. **The Certainty of Resurrection:** The κέλευμα serves as a divine guarantee of the future resurrection of believers. Just as God's creative word brought the cosmos into being, His commanding word will bring the dead to life.
3. **Divine Initiative:** The entire event of the resurrection and the gathering of believers is initiated and orchestrated by God through Christ's authoritative command, underscoring His redemptive plan's ultimate culmination.
4. **A Public, Triumphant Return:** The loud, authoritative nature of the "shout," coupled with the archangel's voice and God's trumpet, indicates a glorious, unmistakable, and triumphant return of the Lord, leaving no doubt as to His identity or purpose.
### Summary
The Greek noun κέλευμα (kéleuma, `{{G2752}}`) denotes an authoritative command or a cry of incitement, stemming from the verb "to command" (κελεύω, `{{G2753}}`). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]] is profoundly significant, describing the "shout" with which the Lord will descend from heaven at His second coming. This κέλευμα is not a mere sound but a powerful, divine decree, paired with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God, indicating a cosmic and eschatological event. Theologically, it underscores Christ's absolute authority over life and death, serving as the divine command that initiates the resurrection of believers and signals the triumphant culmination of God's redemptive plan.
TRV