Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, certain words carry profound theological and cultural significance, bridging the gap between ancient and modern understanding. One such word is ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía), commonly translated as “church” in English. However, its meaning extends far beyond the modern concept of a building or religious institution. The word ἐκκλησία holds deep roots in ancient Greek society and plays a pivotal role in New Testament theology, shaping the identity and mission of the early Christian community. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone seeking to delve into the intricacies of New Testament interpretation and the historical context of early Christianity.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía) [ek-klay-SEE-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and the verb καλέω (kaléō), meaning “to call.” Thus, ἐκκλησία literally means “those who are called out.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine, first declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Assembly: In its most basic sense, ἐκκλησία refers to an assembly or gathering of people, often called together for a specific purpose.
• Church: In the New Testament, ἐκκλησία takes on the specific meaning of the community of believers in Jesus Christ, often translated as “church.”
• Congregation: The term is also used to describe a local congregation or group of Christians meeting together for worship and fellowship.

Similar Words:

• Συναγωγή (synagōgē) [soo-nah-go-GAY]: Another Greek word meaning “assembly” or “gathering,” commonly used to refer to Jewish congregations and their meeting places.
• Κοινωνία (koinōnía) [koy-no-NEE-ah]: This word, meaning “fellowship” or “sharing,” is related to the concept of community and partnership within the ἐκκλησία.

Further Insights

• Morphology: ἐκκλησία is a feminine noun in the first declension, with its nominative singular form ending in -α. It follows the typical pattern of first declension nouns in Greek.

Declension Chart (First Declension, Feminine)

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: The primary entry for ἐκκλησία in BDAG highlights its usage in both secular and religious contexts. It emphasizes the term’s transition from a general assembly to its specific Christian usage as the “church.”
• Thayer’s: Thayer notes the evolution of ἐκκλησία from its classical meaning to its distinct New Testament application as the body of believers.
• Vine’s: Vine’s discusses ἐκκλησία in the context of its New Testament usage, explaining its role as the gathered community of the faithful and its theological implications.
• LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides examples of ἐκκλησία in classical Greek literature, noting its use in political assemblies before it became associated with Christian gatherings.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἐκκλησία as a key term for the Christian church, tracing its etymology and usage throughout the New Testament.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 16:18: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church (ἐκκλησία), and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
• Acts 2:47: “Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church (ἐκκλησία) daily those who were being saved.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:2: “To the church (ἐκκλησία) of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκκλησία was commonly used to describe the assembly of citizens in a city-state, particularly in Athens, where the ἐκκλησία was the principal assembly responsible for decision-making.

Summary of ἐκκλησία (G1577: ekklēsía)

The Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía) is rich in meaning, extending from its classical usage as an assembly of citizens to its New Testament application as the church of Jesus Christ. This word encapsulates the concept of a called-out community, whether in a political, social, or religious context. In the New Testament, ἐκκλησία becomes the defining term for the Christian community, representing the body of believers united in Christ. Understanding ἐκκλησία is essential for grasping the nature and mission of the church, both in its historical context and in its ongoing significance for Christian theology and practice.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greece, the ἐκκλησία was not merely a gathering of people but a powerful political institution where citizens had a direct voice in the governance of their city-state. This concept of active participation carried over into the Christian understanding of the ἐκκλησία, where every member of the body of Christ was seen as having a vital role in the life and mission of the church.