Understanding ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) Strong’s G1577: The Divine Assembly Called Out by God

Pronunciation Guide: ek-klay-SEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1577: ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) refers to an assembly or congregation of people who have been “called out” for a specific purpose. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes the community of believers in the Messiah Jesus, either universally (the entire body of believers) or locally (a specific congregation in a particular place). The term carries rich connotations of divine calling, sacred gathering, and covenant community.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root: Compound of ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and καλέω (kaleō, “to call”)
• Original Meaning: “The called-out ones” or “assembly”
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative sections (Acts), epistles (especially Pauline), and apocalyptic literature (Revelation)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Literary Context: Used in both theological discourse and practical church instruction

ἐκκλησία Morphology:

• ἐκκλησία (nominative singular) – assembly/church
• ἐκκλησίας (genitive singular) – of the assembly/church
• ἐκκλησίᾳ (dative singular) – to/for/in the assembly/church
• ἐκκλησίαν (accusative singular) – the assembly/church (direct object)
• ἐκκλησίαι (nominative plural) – assemblies/churches
• ἐκκλησιῶν (genitive plural) – of the assemblies/churches
• ἐκκλησίαις (dative plural) – to/for/in the assemblies/churches
• ἐκκλησίας (accusative plural) – the assemblies/churches (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἐκκλησία has deep roots in ancient Greek culture, where it originally referred to the assembly of citizens in a Greek city-state (polis) who were called out from their homes to gather for civic matters. In classical Athens, Aristotle describes the ἐκκλησία in his “Politics” as the sovereign democratic assembly where free male citizens would gather to vote on political decisions and legislation. This usage emphasized both the act of being summoned and the authority of the gathered body.

In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures), ἐκκλησία was used to translate the Hebrew term קָהָל (qahal), which referred to the congregation or assembly of Israel, particularly when gathered for religious purposes. This connection is significant, as it established ἐκκλησία as a term with spiritual and covenantal dimensions even before the New Testament era. The early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Rome in his “First Epistle to the Corinthians” and Ignatius of Antioch in his letters, continued using ἐκκλησία to describe both local gatherings of believers and the universal body of the Messiah’s followers, cementing its theological significance in Christian tradition.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Called-Out Assembly: A group specifically summoned or called out from the general population for a particular purpose
• Covenant Community: The people of God gathered in covenant relationship with Him and each other
• Local Congregation: A specific gathering of believers in a particular location
• Universal Body: The entire community of believers across time and space
• Organized Gathering: A structured assembly with recognized leadership and purpose

ἐκκλησία Translation Options:

• Church: Most common English translation, though limited by modern connotations of buildings or institutions rather than people
• Assembly: Emphasizes the gathering aspect and maintains connection to classical Greek usage
• Congregation: Highlights the communal aspect of believers coming together
• Community: Focuses on the relational bonds between believers rather than formal structure
• Called-Out Ones: Most literal to the etymology but less common in English translations

Biblical Usage

The term ἐκκλησία appears 114 times in the New Testament, with its usage developing from the first mention in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus declares, “upon this rock I will build My ἐκκλησία.” The concept expands throughout Acts and the Epistles, where it takes on nuanced meanings in different contexts. In Acts, Luke often uses ἐκκλησία to describe the local gatherings of believers in Jerusalem, Antioch, and other cities. Paul employs the term extensively in his letters, referring both to specific local congregations (as in the opening addresses of 1 Corinthians and Galatians) and to the universal body of believers (especially in Ephesians and Colossians).

Significantly, ἐκκλησία never refers to a building in the New Testament but always to people. This reflects a fundamental theological truth that the Messiah’s ἐκκλησία is not defined by physical structures but by the covenant community of believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The term carries continuity with Israel as God’s called people while also representing the new covenant community established through the Messiah’s redemptive work.

• “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church [ἐκκλησία], and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18
• “And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church [ἐκκλησία]. If he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:17
• “To the church [ἐκκλησία] of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling.” 1 Corinthians 1:2
• “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church [ἐκκλησία] first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers…” 1 Corinthians 12:27-28
• “He is the head of the body, the church [ἐκκλησία]; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:18
• “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church [ἐκκλησία] and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25
• “John to the seven churches [ἐκκλησίαις] in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you…” Revelation 1:4

Cultural Insights

The concept of ἐκκλησία carried profound implications within first-century Mediterranean culture that modern readers often miss. In the Greco-Roman world, citizenship and participation in the civic ἐκκλησία was a privileged status not available to all. When early believers adopted this term for their community, they were making a radical statement: that in the Messiah’s kingdom, all believers—regardless of social status, gender, or ethnicity—were called to full participation in the divine assembly. This stood in stark contrast to both the exclusivity of Greek citizenship assemblies and the hierarchical structure of Roman society.

Additionally, the early Messianic communities functioned as an alternative social structure in a world dominated by patron-client relationships and honor-shame dynamics. By identifying themselves as the ἐκκλησία, early believers were claiming a unique identity as those called out of the prevailing social system into a new community with alternative values based on the teachings of Jesus. This explains why early Christian gatherings often crossed social boundaries that would have been unusual in wider society, with slaves and free, rich and poor, men and women all participating in the same community—a revolutionary concept in the ancient world that reflected the transformative nature of the gospel.

Theological Significance

The ἐκκλησία represents one of the most profound theological concepts in Scripture, illuminating God’s redemptive purposes for humanity. As the “called-out ones,” the ἐκκλησία demonstrates Yahweh’s sovereign initiative in calling a people to Himself—not based on human merit but on His gracious election. This reflects the character of God who, from the calling of Abraham through the formation of Israel and into the new covenant, consistently demonstrates His desire to have a covenant relationship with a people set apart for His purposes. The ἐκκλησία stands as testimony to God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Moreover, the ἐκκλησία reveals God’s wisdom in creating a community that transcends natural human divisions. As Paul emphasizes in Ephesians, through the ἐκκλησία God is creating “one new humanity” that reconciles Jews and Gentiles, demonstrating the power of the gospel to overcome the deepest cultural and religious barriers. The ἐκκλησία is also described as the “body of Christ,” the “bride of Christ,” and the “temple of the Holy Spirit”—metaphors that emphasize the intimate connection between God and His people. Through the ἐκκλησία, God makes His multi-faceted wisdom known to the spiritual powers (Ephesians 3:10), showcasing His redemptive plan for all creation. This reveals God’s omnipotence in transforming fallen humanity into a community that reflects His glory and carries out His mission in the world.

Personal Application

Understanding ἐκκλησία as “the called-out ones” transforms how we view our identity as believers. Rather than seeing church as merely a building we enter or an event we attend, we recognize that we ourselves—together with all believers—constitute the ἐκκλησία. This shift in perspective reminds us that our commitment to the community of faith isn’t optional but fundamental to our identity in the Messiah. We have been divinely summoned from darkness into light, from isolation into community, from self-centeredness into covenant relationship.

This understanding challenges us to live intentionally as members of God’s covenant community. It means actively participating in the life and mission of the local assembly of believers while recognizing our connection to the universal body of the Messiah across time and space. When struggles arise within our faith communities, the concept of ἐκκλησία reminds us that God Himself has established this assembly and that our unity, despite our differences, testifies to the reconciling power of the gospel. By embracing our identity as part of the ἐκκλησία, we find belonging, purpose, and the opportunity to experience God’s presence and power as we gather in His name.

Related Words

• συναγωγή (synagōgē, “synagogue”): From συν (together) and ἄγω (bring), meaning “a bringing together” or “gathering.” While ἐκκλησία emphasizes being called out, συναγωγή focuses on being brought together. In the first century, συναγωγή primarily referred to Jewish assemblies while ἐκκλησία became associated with Messianic gatherings. See G4864
• κοινωνία (koinōnia): Often translated as “fellowship” or “communion,” refers to the intimate spiritual participation and sharing that characterized the early ἐκκλησία. While ἐκκλησία emphasizes the formal assembly aspect, κοινωνία highlights the relational depth of that community. See G2842
• σῶμα (sōma): Meaning “body,” used metaphorically for the ἐκκλησία as the “body of Christ.” This term emphasizes the organic unity and interdependence of believers, with Christ as the head. See G4983
• οἶκος (oikos): Meaning “house” or “household,” sometimes used to describe the ἐκκλησία as God’s household or family. This emphasizes the familial relationships within the community of faith. See G3624
• ναός (naos): Referring to the inner sanctuary of a temple, used metaphorically for the ἐκκλησία as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. While ἐκκλησία emphasizes the people gathered, ναός highlights their function as the locus of God’s presence. See G3485

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Athens, the herald would walk through the streets sounding a trumpet to call citizens to the ἐκκλησία assembly? This civic practice gives us insight into the dramatic “calling out” imagery behind the term. When Scripture uses ἐκκλησία for God’s people, it evokes this image of a divine herald (the Holy Spirit) summoning believers from their everyday lives to gather as God’s assembly. This historical background enriches our understanding of believers as those who have heard and responded to a divine summons.
• Did you know that the word “church” in English doesn’t derive from ἐκκλησία at all? The English word “church” comes from the Greek κυριακόν (kuriakón), meaning “belonging to the Lord.” This term was used for buildings where Christians gathered, while ἐκκλησία always referred to the people themselves. This linguistic history reflects the early tension between understanding “church” as a building versus a community, a tension that continues today. When we understand the original meaning of ἐκκλησία, we’re reminded that the essence of “church” is the people, not the structure.
• Did you know that the use of ἐκκλησία in the New Testament represents a theological bridge between Israel and the new covenant community? By choosing a term used in the Septuagint for Israel’s assemblies (translating the Hebrew קָהָל/qahal), the New Testament writers weren’t suggesting a replacement of Israel but rather a continuation and fulfillment of God’s covenant purposes. This connection reminds us that God has always been calling a people to Himself across salvation history, and the Messiah’s ἐκκλησία stands in continuity with this divine pattern while also representing its ultimate fulfillment.

Remember This

The ἐκκλησία is not merely a human organization but a divine calling—we don’t join the church; we respond to God’s summons to be the church, continuing His redemptive purposes in the world as His covenant community empowered by His Spirit.