1588. eklektos

Lexicon

eklektos: Chosen, elect

Original Word: ἐκλεκτός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: eklektos
Pronunciation: ek-lek-TOS
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-lek-tos')
Definition: Chosen, elect
Meaning: chosen out, elect, choice, select, sometimes as subst: of those chosen out by God for the rendering of special service to Him (of the Hebrew race, particular Hebrews, the Messiah, and the Christians).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chosen, elect.

From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite -- chosen, elect.

see GREEK eklegomai

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1588 eklektós (an adjective, derived from 1586 /eklégomai, "to select, choose," also used as a substantive/noun) – properly, selected (chosen from, out of), especially as a deeply personal choice – literally "chosen, out of a personal preference (intention)." See 1586 (eklegomai).

Typically, 1588 /eklektós ("select, chosen") describes people who choose to follow the Lord, i.e. become God's choice by freely receiving faith (4102 /pístis) from Him. Accordingly, these two terms are directly connected (see Tit 1:1; Lk 18:7,8).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from eklegó
Definition
select, by impl. favorite
NASB Translation
choice (2), choice man (1), chosen (1), chosen (9), chosen one (1), elect (8).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1588: ἐκλεκτός

ἐκλεκτός, ἐκλεκτή, ἐκλεκτόν (ἐκλέγω), picked out, chosen; rare in Greek writ:, as Thucydides 6, 100; Plato, legg. 11, p. 938 b.; 12, 948 a., etc.; the Sept. for בָּחוּר and בָּחִיר; in the N. T.

1. chosen by God, and a. to obtain salvation through Christ (see ἐκλέγω); hence, Christians are called οἱ ἐκλεκτοί τοῦ Θεοῦ, the chosen or elect of God (cf. Winer's Grammar, 35 (34); 234 (219)), (יְהוָה בְּחִירֵי, said of pious Israelites Isaiah 65:9, 15, 23; Psalm 104:43 (), cf. Wis. 4:15): Luke 18:7; Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1; without the genitive Θεοῦ, Matthew 24:22, 24; Mark 13:20, 22; 1 Peter 1:1; with the addition of τοῦ Χριστοῦ, as the genitive of possessor, Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27 (T Tr omit the genitive); κλητοί καί ἐκλεκτοί καί πιστοί, Revelation 17:14; γένος ἐκλεκτόν, 1 Peter 2:9 (from Isaiah 43:20, cf. Additions to Esther 8:40 [Esther 8:368:12t] (Esth. 6:17, p. 64, Fritzsche edition)); ἐκλεκτοί, those who have become true partakers of the Christian salvation are contrasted with κλητοί, those who have been invited but who have not shown themselves fitted to obtain it (others regard the 'called' and the 'chosen' here as alike partakers of salvation, but the latter as the 'choice ones' (see 2 below), distinguished above the former; cf. James Morison or Meyer at the passage), Matthew 20:16 (here T WH omit; Tr brackets the clause); ; finally, those are called ἐκλεκτοί who are destined for salvation but have not yet been brought to it, 2 Timothy 2:10 (but cf. Huther or Ellicott at the passage).

b. The Messiah is called preeminently ὁ ἐκλεκτός τοῦ Θεοῦ, as appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable: Luke 23:35, cf. Luke 9:35 L marginal reading T Tr WH; cf. Dillmann, Das Buch Henoch (übers.u.erkhärt;allgem.Einl.), p. 23:

c. Angels are called ἐκλεκτοί, as those whom God has chosen out from other created beings to be peculiarly associated with him, and his highest ministers in governing the universe: 1 Timothy 5:21; see ἅγιος, 1 b.; μαρτύρομαι δέ ἐγώ μέν ὑμῶν τά ἅγια καί τούς ἱερούς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ, Josephus, b. j. 2, 16, 4 under the end; (yet others explain by 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; cf. Ellicott on 1 Timothy, the passage cited).

2. universally, choice, select, i. e. the best of its kind or class, excellent, preeminent: applied to certain individual Christians, 2 John 1:1, 13; with ἐν κυρίῳ added, eminent as a Christian (see ἐν, I. 6 b.), Romans 16:13; of things: λίθος, 1 Peter 2:4 (6) (Isaiah 28:16; 2 Esdr. 5:8; Enoch, chapter 8 Greek text, Dillmann edition, p. 82f).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai), meaning "to select" or "to choose."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek term ἐκλεκτός corresponds to several Hebrew terms that convey the idea of being chosen or selected, such as:
• בָּחַר (bachar) [Strong's Hebrew 977]: Meaning "to choose" or "to select," often used in the context of God's choice of individuals or nations.
• בָּחוּר (bachur) [Strong's Hebrew 970]: Meaning "chosen" or "selected," often used to describe young men chosen for their strength or abilities.
• מִבְחָר (mibchar) [Strong's Hebrew 4005]: Meaning "choice" or "select," used to describe the best or most select of a group.

These Hebrew terms reflect the Old Testament foundation for the New Testament concept of divine election, illustrating continuity in the theme of God's sovereign choice throughout the biblical narrative.

Usage: The word ἐκλεκτός is used in the New Testament to describe those who are chosen by God, including Jesus Christ as the chosen one, angels, and believers who are part of God's elect. It emphasizes divine selection and favor.

Context: • Theological Significance: In the New Testament, ἐκλεκτός carries significant theological weight, often highlighting the concept of divine election. This term underscores the belief that God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals or groups for specific roles or purposes within His redemptive plan. This choice is not based on human merit but on God's grace and purpose.

• Christ as the Chosen One: Jesus Christ is referred to as ἐκλεκτός, emphasizing His unique role as the Messiah and the one chosen by God to bring salvation to humanity. For instance, in 1 Peter 2:6, it is written, "See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone," referring to Christ.

• Believers as the Elect: The term is also used to describe believers who are considered God's elect. In passages like Colossians 3:12, believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling as God's chosen people: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

• Angels as Chosen: In 1 Timothy 5:21, Paul charges Timothy "in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels," indicating that even among angels, there are those who are chosen for specific purposes.

• Eschatological Context: The concept of the elect is also significant in eschatological contexts, where it is used to describe those who will be gathered by Christ at His return. In Matthew 24:31, it is stated, "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

Forms and Transliterations

εκλεκτά εκλεκταί εκλεκτάς εκλεκτη εκλεκτή ἐκλεκτῇ εκλεκτήν εκλεκτης εκλεκτής ἐκλεκτῆς εκλεκτοι εκλεκτοί ἐκλεκτοί ἐκλεκτοὶ εκλεκτοις εκλεκτοίς ἐκλεκτοῖς εκλεκτον εκλεκτόν ἐκλεκτόν ἐκλεκτὸν εκλεκτος εκλεκτός ἐκλεκτός εκλεκτου εκλεκτού εκλεκτους εκλεκτούς ἐκλεκτούς ἐκλεκτοὺς εκλεκτων εκλεκτών ἐκλεκτῶν εκλευκανθώσι εκλεύκον εκλιμίαν eklekte eklektē eklektêi eklektē̂i eklektes eklektês eklektēs eklektē̂s eklektoi eklektoí eklektoì eklektois eklektoîs eklekton eklektón eklektòn eklektôn eklektōn eklektō̂n eklektos eklektós eklektous eklektoús eklektoùs

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 20:16 Adj-NMP
GRK: ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί
KJV: but few chosen.
INT: few however chosen

Matthew 22:14 Adj-NMP
GRK: ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί
NAS: are called, but few [are] chosen.
KJV: but few [are] chosen.
INT: few however chosen

Matthew 24:22 Adj-AMP
GRK: δὲ τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς κολοβωθήσονται αἱ
NAS: but for the sake of the elect those
KJV: but for the elect's sake those days
INT: however the elect will be shortened the

Matthew 24:24 Adj-AMP
GRK: καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς
NAS: possible, even the elect.
KJV: they shall deceive the very elect.
INT: even the elect

Matthew 24:31 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἐπισυνάξουσιν τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐκ
NAS: and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four
KJV: his elect from
INT: they will gather together the elect of him from

Mark 13:20 Adj-AMP
GRK: διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς οὓς ἐξελέξατο
NAS: but for the sake of the elect, whom
KJV: for the elect's sake, whom
INT: on account of the elect whom he chose

Mark 13:22 Adj-AMP
GRK: δυνατὸν τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς
NAS: if possible, the elect.
KJV: [it were] possible, even the elect.
INT: possible the elect

Mark 13:27 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἐπισυνάξει τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐκ
NAS: and will gather together His elect from the four
KJV: his elect from
INT: will gather together the elect of him from

Luke 18:7 Adj-GMP
GRK: ἐκδίκησιν τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτοῦ τῶν
NAS: justice for His elect who cry
KJV: avenge his own elect, which cry
INT: avenging of the elect of him who

Luke 23:35 Adj-NMS
GRK: θεοῦ ὁ ἐκλεκτός
NAS: is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.
KJV: be Christ, the chosen of God.
INT: of God the chosen

Romans 8:33 Adj-GMP
GRK: ἐγκαλέσει κατὰ ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ θεὸς
NAS: God's elect? God
KJV: of God's elect? [It is] God
INT: will bring an accusation against [the] elect of God [It is] God

Romans 16:13 Adj-AMS
GRK: Ῥοῦφον τὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ
NAS: Rufus, a choice man in the Lord,
KJV: Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord,
INT: Rufus the chosen in [the] Lord

Colossians 3:12 Adj-NMP
GRK: οὖν ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: So, as those who have been chosen of God,
KJV: therefore, as the elect of God, holy
INT: therefore as elect of God

1 Timothy 5:21 Adj-GMP
GRK: καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων ἵνα
NAS: Jesus and of [His] chosen angels,
KJV: Christ, and the elect angels, that
INT: and the elect angels that

2 Timothy 2:10 Adj-AMP
GRK: διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς ἵνα καὶ
NAS: of those who are chosen, so
KJV: all things for the elect's sakes, that
INT: for sake of the elect that also

Titus 1:1 Adj-GMP
GRK: κατὰ πίστιν ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ καὶ
NAS: for the faith of those chosen of God
KJV: of God's elect, and
INT: according to [the] faith of [the] elect of God and

1 Peter 1:1 Adj-DMP
GRK: Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς
NAS: Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen
INT: of Jesus Christ to [the] elect exiles of [the] dispersion

1 Peter 2:4 Adj-AMS
GRK: δὲ θεῷ ἐκλεκτὸν ἔντιμον
NAS: by men, but is choice and precious
KJV: men, but chosen of God,
INT: moreover God chosen [and] precious

1 Peter 2:6 Adj-AMS
GRK: Σιὼν λίθον ἐκλεκτὸν ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἔντιμον
NAS: IN ZION A CHOICE STONE,
KJV: stone, elect, precious:
INT: Zion a stone chosen corner precious

1 Peter 2:9 Adj-NNS
GRK: δὲ γένος ἐκλεκτόν βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα
NAS: But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal
KJV: ye [are] a chosen generation,
INT: however [are] a race chosen a royal priesthood

2 John 1:1 Adj-DFS
GRK: Ο ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΣ ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ καὶ
NAS: The elder to the chosen lady
KJV: The elder unto the elect lady and
INT: The elder to [the] elect lady and

2 John 1:13 Adj-GFS
GRK: σου τῆς ἐκλεκτῆς
NAS: The children of your chosen sister
KJV: The children of thy elect sister greet
INT: of you elect

Revelation 17:14 Adj-NMP
GRK: κλητοὶ καὶ ἐκλεκτοὶ καὶ πιστοί
NAS: are with Him [are the] called and chosen and faithful.
KJV: and chosen, and
INT: called and chosen and faithful

Strong's Greek 1588
23 Occurrences

ἐκλεκτῇ — 1 Occ.
ἐκλεκτῆς — 1 Occ.
ἐκλεκτῶν — 4 Occ.
ἐκλεκτοί — 4 Occ.
ἐκλεκτοῖς — 1 Occ.
ἐκλεκτὸν — 4 Occ.
ἐκλεκτός — 1 Occ.
ἐκλεκτοὺς — 7 Occ.