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    Elect

    ἐκλεκτός (eklektos)

    Chosen by God — selected for a special purpose and relationship.

    Greek
    Strong's G1588
    Pronunciation: ek-lek-TOS
    Quick Answer

    Eklektos is the Greek word for elect or chosen, describing those whom God has selected for salvation and service. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in calling a people to Himself.

    "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." — 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    1 Peter 2:9

    “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.”
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    Romans 8:33

    “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.”
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    Ephesians 1:4

    “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1588 — Elect (ἐκλεκτός (eklektos))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐκλεκτός (eklektos) appears.

    Open Strong's G1588

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Eklektos comes from eklegō, meaning 'to pick out' or 'to select.' It describes a deliberate choice — not random selection but purposeful, loving appointment. The Hebrew equivalent bachir carries the same weight: God's choosing is intentional, sovereign, and gracious. Those who are elect are chosen not for their merit but according to God's good pleasure.

    Israel as God's Chosen People

    God chose Abraham from among all the peoples of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3) and chose Israel as His special possession (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). He chose them not because they were the greatest nation but because of His love. Election in the Old Testament was corporate — God chose a people — and purposeful: through Israel, all nations would be blessed.

    Election in Christ

    Ephesians 1:4 says God 'chose us in him before the foundation of the world.' Election is always 'in Christ' — connected to union with Him. Romans 8:29-30 presents the chain: foreknown, predestinated, called, justified, glorified. Paul's emphasis is not on solving philosophical puzzles about free will but on assuring believers of God's unshakeable commitment to them.

    Election and Assurance

    The doctrine of election is meant to comfort, not confuse. 'Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?' (Romans 8:33). If God chose us, nothing can un-choose us. Peter calls believers to 'make your calling and election sure' (2 Peter 1:10) — not by earning it but by living it out through growth in faith, virtue, and love.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does elect mean in the Bible?

    Elect (eklektos) means chosen by God for salvation and service. It emphasizes God's sovereign, gracious initiative in selecting a people for Himself, not based on human merit but on His love and purpose.

    Does election mean some people can't be saved?

    Christians hold different views. All agree that election is rooted in God's love and that the gospel invitation is genuine: 'whosoever will may come' (Revelation 22:17). The emphasis of election is on God's faithfulness, not human exclusion.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Elect"?

    1 Peter 2:9 — "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 8:33, Ephesians 1:4.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Elect" matter?

    Eklektos comes from eklegō, meaning 'to pick out' or 'to select.' It describes a deliberate choice — not random selection but purposeful, loving appointment. English uses one word, "Elect", where the Greek ἐκλεκτός (eklektos) carries the fuller sense: chosen by god — selected for a special purpose and relationship.

    Related Words

    Predestination
    Covenant
    Grace
    Salvation

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    Word Meaning

    Elect (ἐκλεκτός (eklektos))

    Chosen by God — selected for a special purpose and relationship.

    Strong's

    Strong's G1588 — Elect

    ἐκλεκτός (eklektos) • Chosen by God — selected for a special purpose and relationship.

    Commentary

    Ephesians 1:3-4 Commentary

    In-depth study • Election & Spiritual Blessings

    Word Meaning

    Predestination (προορίζω (Proorizō))

    God's sovereign determination of events and destinies before they occur

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Predestination

    10 curated KJV verses

    Commentary

    Deuteronomy 7:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Chosen Identity

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