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    Church

    ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)

    The called-out assembly — God's gathered people, not a building.

    Greek
    Strong's G1577
    Pronunciation: ek-klay-SEE-ah
    Quick Answer

    Ekklēsia is the Greek word for church, meaning 'called-out assembly.' It refers not to a building but to the people of God — those called out of the world and gathered together by Christ for worship, fellowship, and mission.

    "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Matthew 16:18

    “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
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    Ephesians 5:25

    “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
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    Hebrews 10:25

    “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1577 — Church (ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) appears.

    Open Strong's G1577

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Ekklēsia combines ek ('out of') and kaleō ('to call'), meaning 'the called-out ones.' In classical Greek, it referred to a civic assembly of citizens called together for public business. The New Testament adopts this word but fills it with new meaning: the church is God's assembly — those He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

    The Church Universal and Local

    Ekklēsia has two dimensions: the universal church (all believers everywhere across all time) and the local church (a specific congregation in a specific place). Paul writes to 'the church of God which is at Corinth' (1 Corinthians 1:2) — local and universal simultaneously. Believers belong to both: the global body of Christ and a particular community of faith.

    The Church as Christ's Body

    Paul's most powerful metaphor for the church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:15-16). Christ is the head; believers are the members. Each has a unique function; all are essential. The body grows when each part works properly. This metaphor emphasizes unity in diversity, mutual dependence, and the reality that the church is Christ's ongoing presence in the world.

    The Church's Mission

    The church exists for worship (Colossians 3:16), edification (Ephesians 4:12), fellowship (Acts 2:42), and mission (Matthew 28:18-20). It is both a gathered community (assembling for worship) and a sent community (dispersing for witness). Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18) — the church advances against darkness, not merely defends against it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does church mean in the Bible?

    Church (ekklēsia) means 'called-out assembly' — not a building but the people of God gathered by Christ. It refers to both the universal body of all believers and local congregations.

    Is going to church necessary?

    Hebrews 10:25 commands believers not to forsake assembling together. The church is not optional — it is God's designed community for worship, growth, accountability, and mission. Believers need the church and the church needs each believer.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Church"?

    Matthew 16:18 — "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (KJV). It also appears in Ephesians 5:25, Hebrews 10:25.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Church" matter?

    Ekklēsia combines ek ('out of') and kaleō ('to call'), meaning 'the called-out ones.' In classical Greek, it referred to a civic assembly of citizens called together for public business. English uses one word, "Church", where the Greek ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) carries the fuller sense: the called-out assembly — god's gathered people, not a building.

    Related Words

    Ecclesia
    Disciple
    Apostle

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    Word Meaning

    Church (ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia))

    The called-out assembly — God's gathered people, not a building.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of a House in a Dream (KJV)

    The self, the family, and the household of God.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of a Wedding in a Dream (KJV)

    Covenant, union, and the marriage of Christ and His church.

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    Word Meaning

    Grace (χάρις (Charis))

    Unmerited favor from God; His free gift of salvation and blessing

    Strong's

    Strong's G5485 — Grace

    χάρις (Charis) • Unmerited favor from God; His free gift of salvation and blessing

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