Ecclesia
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)
The called-out assembly — the church as God's gathered people.
Ekklēsia means 'a called-out assembly' and is the New Testament word for the church, describing believers gathered by God's call rather than a building or institution.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and 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
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”Read in context
Acts 2:47
“Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”Read in context
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1577 — Ecclesia (ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) appears.
Open Strong's G1577Etymology and Origin
Ekklēsia comes from ek (out of) and kaleō (to call). In ancient Greece, it referred to the citizens' assembly called out to deliberate on civic matters. The New Testament transformed this civic term into a theological one: the church is the community called out of the world by God to belong to Christ.
Theological Significance
The ekklēsia is not a building but a people — the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27), and the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). It exists in local expressions (the church at Corinth) and as a universal reality (all believers everywhere). Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it.
Practical Application
Understanding the church as ekklēsia reminds believers that they are called — chosen and gathered by God. Church is not primarily a place to attend but a community to belong to. It challenges individualistic faith and calls believers into accountable, loving fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekklēsia mean in the Bible?
Ekklēsia means 'called-out assembly' and is the Greek word translated as 'church' in the New Testament. It refers to the gathered community of believers, not a physical building.
How many times does ekklēsia appear in the New Testament?
Ekklēsia appears approximately 114 times in the New Testament, used for both local congregations and the universal church.
What is the Greek word for "Ecclesia" in the Bible?
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), pronounced "ek-lay-SEE-ah." It means the called-out assembly — the church as god's gathered people. Its Strong's number is G1577. It is the word behind "Ecclesia" in the New Testament, for example in Matthew 16:18.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Ecclesia"?
Matthew 16:18 — "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (KJV). It also appears in Acts 2:47, Ephesians 5:25.
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Ecclesia (ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia))
The called-out assembly — the church as God's gathered people.
Strong's G1577 — Ecclesia
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) • The called-out assembly — the church as God's gathered people.
Church (ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia))
The called-out assembly — God's gathered people, not a building.
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