Berean Strong's Lexicon eklektos: Chosen, elect Original Word: ἐκλεκτός Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai), meaning "to choose" or "to select." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of being chosen is בָּחַר (bachar), Strong's Hebrew 977, which means "to choose" or "to select." Usage: The term "eklektos" is used in the New Testament to denote those who are chosen or selected by God for a specific purpose or destiny. It often refers to believers who are chosen by God for salvation and service. The concept of being "chosen" emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in the process of salvation and His special relationship with His people. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of being "chosen" or "elect" was often associated with individuals selected for special roles or honors. In the Jewish tradition, Israel was considered God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes. The New Testament writers, particularly Paul and Peter, extend this idea to include Gentile believers, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's salvation plan. 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 Originfrom 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: ἐκλεκτόςἐκλεκτός, 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 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). From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite -- chosen, elect. see GREEK eklegomai Englishman's Concordance Matthew 20:16 Adj-NMPGRK: ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί KJV: but few chosen. INT: few however chosen Matthew 22:14 Adj-NMP Matthew 24:22 Adj-AMP Matthew 24:24 Adj-AMP Matthew 24:31 Adj-AMP Mark 13:20 Adj-AMP Mark 13:22 Adj-AMP Mark 13:27 Adj-AMP Luke 18:7 Adj-GMP Luke 23:35 Adj-NMS Romans 8:33 Adj-GMP Romans 16:13 Adj-AMS Colossians 3:12 Adj-NMP 1 Timothy 5:21 Adj-GMP 2 Timothy 2:10 Adj-AMP Titus 1:1 Adj-GMP 1 Peter 1:1 Adj-DMP 1 Peter 2:4 Adj-AMS 1 Peter 2:6 Adj-AMS 1 Peter 2:9 Adj-NNS 2 John 1:1 Adj-DFS 2 John 1:13 Adj-GFS Revelation 17:14 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 1588 |