Lexical Summary keleusma: Command, shout, signal Original Word: κέλευσμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a shout or commandFrom keleuo; a cry of incitement -- shout. see GREEK keleuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom keleuó Definition a shout of command NASB Translation shout (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2752: κέλευσμακέλευσμα, κελεύσματος, τό (κελεύω), from Aeschylus and Herodotus down, an order, command, specifically, a stimulating cry, either that by which animals are roused and urged on by man, as horses by charioteers, hounds by hunters, etc., or that by which a signal is given to men, e. g. to rowers by the master of a ship (Lucian, tyr. or catapl. c. 19), to soldiers by a commander (Thucydides 2, 92; Proverbs 24:62 Topical Lexicon Usage in the New Testament The term appears a single time—1 Thessalonians 4:16—where Paul writes, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise” (Berean Standard Bible). This unique occurrence underscores its weight: the risen Christ will utter an authoritative summons that initiates the resurrection of believers and the gathering of the church. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background Though the Greek word itself is New Testament–specific, the concept of a divine command-voice permeates earlier Scripture. The Lord’s “shout” over enemies (Joshua 6:5), the summoning trumpet on Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19), and prophetic scenes of Yahweh roaring from Zion (Joel 3:16) form a continuum in which God’s vocal authority brings decisive action. Jewish apocalyptic writings between the Testaments often portray archangels calling the righteous to resurrection, a motif Paul echoes while grounding it firmly in Christ’s personal return. Prophetic Context and Eschatological Significance 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 addresses believers grieving those who have died. Paul answers their sorrow with a threefold acoustic sequence: 1. the loud command, The command is foremost, indicating that the resurrection is triggered by Christ’s direct order. Coupled with passages such as John 5:25-29, where “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,” Scripture presents a harmonized picture: the same voice that once cried, “Lazarus, come out!” will call every saint from the grave. This public, audible manifestation differentiates the Second Coming from any secret or merely spiritual event. Historical and Cultural Insights In classical literature the word described an order barked to rowers or troops, an authoritative signal requiring instant compliance. Paul’s audience, familiar with military and civic commands, would recognize that no power could resist the Commander of heaven. The image thus portrays Jesus not as a distant figure but as the Captain of salvation (Hebrews 2:10), decisively intervening in world history. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Comfort in bereavement: the certainty of the Lord’s command gives tangible hope that deceased believers will not be forgotten (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Doctrinal Harmony with Other Texts Matthew 24:31—“He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect.” 1 Corinthians 15:52—“In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…the dead will be raised imperishable.” Revelation 11:15—“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord…’ ” These passages align the command, archangelic voice, and trumpet as a unified eschatological signal, reinforcing the internal consistency of biblical revelation. Theological Summary Strong’s Greek 2752 depicts the authoritative shout by which the returning Lord Jesus Christ initiates resurrection, vindication, and consummation. Its solitary yet strategic placement concentrates attention on Christ’s sovereignty over life and death, furnishing unshakable hope for the church and a sober reminder of the world’s accountability to Him. Forms and Transliterations κελευσματι κελεύσματι κελεύσματος keleusmati keleúsmatiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |