Lexical Summary klésis: Calling, invitation Original Word: κλῆσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance calling. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation (figuratively) -- calling. see GREEK kaleo HELPS Word-studies 2821 klḗsis (from 2564 /kaléō, "to call, summon") – calling; used of God inviting all people to receive His gift of salvation – with all His blessings that go with it (Ro 11:29; Eph 4:4; 2 Pet 1:10). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kaleó Definition a calling NASB Translation call (1), calling (9), condition (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2821: κλῆσιςκλῆσις, κλήσεως, ἡ (καλέω); 1. a calling, calling to ((Xenophon, Plato, others)). 2. a call, invitation: to a feast (3Macc. 5:14; Xenophon, symp. 1, 7); in the N. T. everywhere in a technical sense, the divine invitation to embrace salvation in the kingdom of God, which is made especially through the preaching of the gospel: with the genitive of the author, τοῦ Θεοῦ, Ephesians 1:18; ἀμεταμέλητα ... ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ, God does not repent of the invitation to salvation, which he decided of old to give to the people of Israel, and which he promised their fathers (i. e. the patriarchs), Romans 11:29; ἡ ἄνω (which see (a.)) κλῆσις τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ, which was made in heaven by God on the ground of Christ, Philippians 3:14; also ἡ ἐπουράνιος κλῆσις, Hebrews 3:1; καλεῖν τινα κλήσει, 2 Timothy 1:9; passive Ephesians 4:1; ἀξιουν τινα κλήσεως is used of one whom God declares worthy of the calling which he has commanded to be given him, and therefore fit to obtain the blessings promised in the call, 2 Thessalonians 1:11; with the genitive of the object, ὑμῶν, which ye have shared in, Ephesians 4:4; 2 Peter 1:10; what its characteristics have been in your case, as having no regard to learning, riches, station, etc. 1 Corinthians 1:26; used somewhat peculiarly, of the condition in which the calling finds one, whether circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or freeman, 1 Corinthians 7:20. Strong’s 2821 portrays God’s gracious summons that brings people into relationship with Himself and draws them into His purposes. The word occurs eleven times, consistently describing an initiative that originates in God and moves toward transformed living. From salvation to daily service, the New Testament treats this calling as both decisive and enduring. Old Covenant Background Though the term itself is Greek, the concept echoes Israel’s experience. The Lord chose Abraham, summoned Moses, and repeatedly addressed the nation as “My people.” This background frames the New Testament usage: Christian calling is not self-generated but mirrors God’s earlier pattern of electing grace and covenant faithfulness. Christological Fulfillment The call is now centered “in Christ Jesus.” Romans 11:29 affirms, “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” Because the Messiah’s redeeming work is final, the invitation cannot be withdrawn. In 2 Timothy 1:9 the apostle links the call to eternity past and grace given “in Christ Jesus before time began,” highlighting both the divine initiative and the christocentric focus. Personal Salvation Several texts underscore the call as the moment of conversion. 1 Corinthians 1:26 reminds believers, “Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards…” The passage magnifies God’s sovereignty, choosing the weak to shame the strong. Likewise, Ephesians 1:18 looks back to that event when praying that readers may know “the hope of His calling.” The call therefore generates assurance and confident expectation. Vocational and Lifestyle Implications The calling is more than a doorway; it charts a lifelong path. Ephesians 4:1 urges, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received.” Philippians 3:14 pictures Paul “press[ing] on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling,” blending present pursuit with future reward. 1 Corinthians 7:20 applies the principle to ordinary circumstances: “Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called,” teaching contentment and faithfulness in one’s station while serving Christ. Corporate Identity of the Church Because “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called” (Ephesians 4:4), the summons forms Christian unity. It is communal as well as individual; the church is a called-out people designed to display God’s wisdom and glory. Hebrews 3:1 therefore addresses believers collectively as “holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling.” Eschatological Dimension The call stretches from eternity past to eternity future. Philippians 3:14 and Hebrews 3:1 label it “heavenly,” pointing to ultimate consummation. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 prays that God will “count you worthy of His calling” and fulfill every good resolve, ensuring that present sanctification flows into eschatological reward at Christ’s return. Assurance and Perseverance 2 Peter 1:10 exhorts, “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure,” linking divine initiative with human diligence. The believer’s perseverance validates the genuineness of the call, yet Romans 11:29 guarantees that the call itself is unchanging. Assurance rests on God’s faithfulness, while responsibility calls for holy effort. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Evangelism: Proclaiming the gospel extends God’s summons to all nations, trusting the Spirit to make the call effectual. Related Terms and Distinctions The noun 2821 is closely allied with the verb “to call” (2564) and the adjective “called” (2822). Together they form a theological cluster describing God’s initiative (the call), the moment of response (being called), and the ongoing identity (the called). Unlike human invitations, this divine summons carries creative power, effectually producing the response it seeks. Summary Strong’s 2821 highlights God’s sovereign, grace-filled invitation that launches salvation, shapes sanctification, binds the church together, and guarantees final glory. Rooted in eternity, realized in Christ, and applied by the Spirit, this calling summons believers to live now in the light of an unshakeable, heavenly hope. Englishman's Concordance Romans 11:29 N-NFSGRK: καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ θεοῦ NAS: for the gifts and the calling of God KJV: and calling of God INT: and the calling of God 1 Corinthians 1:26 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 7:20 N-DFS Ephesians 1:18 N-GFS Ephesians 4:1 N-GFS Ephesians 4:4 N-GFS Philippians 3:14 N-GFS 2 Thessalonians 1:11 N-GFS 2 Timothy 1:9 N-DFS Hebrews 3:1 N-GFS 2 Peter 1:10 N-AFS Strong's Greek 2821 |
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