All word studies
Church in the Bible
The church is not a building but a called-out assembly — God's people gathered around Christ. The Greek word ekklesia simply means the called-out ones.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Hebrew (Old Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →Matthew 16:18
“Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”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
Hebrews 10:25
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.”Read in context
Called-out assembly
Ekklesia (G1577) is built from ek (out) and kaleō (to call) — the called-out ones. The church is people, not property.
Christ's bride and body
The New Testament calls the church Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12), bride (Ephesians 5), temple (1 Peter 2), and household (1 Timothy 3) — images of intimate union and shared life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greek word for church?
Ekklesia (G1577), meaning a called-out assembly — the gathered people of God.
Is the church a building or people?
The Bible always uses 'church' (ekklesia) of people, never of a building (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 1:2).