ἐκκλησία
Definition
ἐκκλησία, -ας, ἡ
(ἐκ-καλέω), [in LXX chiefly for קָהָל, otherwise for one of its cogn. forms ;]
1. prop., an assembly of citizens regularly convened (in Thuc., ii, 22, opposite to σύλλογος, a concourse): Acts 19:32, 39, 41.
2. In LXX of the assembly, congregation, community of Israel (Deuteronomy 4:10; 23:2, al.): Acts 7:38, Hebrews 2:12" (LXX) .
3. NT, esp. of an assembly or company of Christians, a (the) church;
(a) of gatherings for worship: 1 Corinthians 11:18; 14:19, 34, 35;
(b) of local communities: Acts 8:3, 1 Corinthians 4:17; with name added, Acts 8:1, Romans 16:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, al.; pl., Acts 15:41, 1 Corinthians 7:17; τ. Χριστοῦ, Romans 16:16; τ. Ἀσίας, 1 Corinthians 16:19; τ. ἁγίων, 1 Corinthians 14:33; εἰπο]ν τ. ἐκκλησίᾳ, Matthew 18:17 (but see Hort, Ecclesia, 10); of a house-congregation (DB, i, 431a), Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, Phm 2;
(with) of the whole body of Christians: Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 1:22, Philippians 3:6, al.; τ. θεοῦ, Acts 20:28 (Κυρίου, T, R, mg.), 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13, 1 Timothy 3:15; ἐ. προτοτόκων ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς, Hebrews 12:23.
Synonyms: συναγωγή, which see (see Tr., Syn., §i; DB, i, 426; Hort, Ecclesia, esp. 4ff., 107ff.; Hamilton, People of God, ii, 37ff.; reff. s.vv. "Church," "Congregation," in DB and DCG; Cremer, 332).
Hebrew words it translates
Usage patterns
Occurrences
- Revelation 2:8ἐκκλησίας · the churchTo the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life.
- Revelation 2:11ἐκκλησίαις · churchesHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.
- Revelation 2:12ἐκκλησίας · churchTo the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.
- Revelation 2:17ἐκκλησίαις · churchesHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.
- Revelation 2:18ἐκκλησίας · churchTo the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.
- Revelation 2:23ἐκκλησίαι · churchesThen I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
- Revelation 2:29ἐκκλησίαις · churchesHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
- Revelation 3:1ἐκκλησίας · church“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.
- Revelation 3:6ἐκκλησίαις · churchesHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
- Revelation 3:7ἐκκλησίας · churchTo the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
- Revelation 3:13ἐκκλησίαις · churchesHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
- Revelation 3:14ἐκκλησίας · churchTo the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.
- Revelation 3:22ἐκκλησίαις · churchesHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
- Revelation 22:16ἐκκλησίαις · churches“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”