THE CORRECT MEANING OF "CHURCH" AND "ECCLESIA" Let us make it clear from the very beginning that the established religious system, which manifests itself in the abomination called "church", is NOT of God. ... Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." It comes from ek, meaning "out from and to" and kaleo, meaning "to call," and has to do with a group of people called out from one place and to another.It is an assembly or a congregation. Omissions? ae 1. After discussion open to all members, a vote was taken, usually by show of hands, a simple majority determining the result in most cases. σιῶν — 7 Occ. 1577 ekklēsía(from 1537 /ek, "out from and to" and 2564 /kaléō, "to call") – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. Out of these twenty words, today’s religious people have chosen for almost […] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ecclesia-ancient-Greek-assembly, Perseus Digital Library - Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities - Ecclesia. Premium Membership is now 50% off! The political assembly of citizens of an ancient Greek state. What Does “Ekklesia” Mean? Since motions had to originate in the Boule, the Ecclesia could not initiate new business. Updates? In the course of Solon’s codification of the law (c. 594 bc), the Ecclesia became coterminous with the body of male citizens 18 years of age or over and had final control over policy, including the right to hear appeals in the hēliaia (public court), take part in the election of archons (chief magistrates), and confer special privileges on individuals. ekklésia: an assembly, a (religious) congregation, a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly, any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance or tumultuously, an assembly of Christians gathered for worship. A church or congregation. Question: "What is the definition of ekklesia?" The ecclesia or ekklesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία) was the assembly of the citizens in the democratic city-states of ancient Greece. These files are public domain. Ekklesia (or ecclesia) is the Greek word translated in the New Testament as "church." the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom. For these, etymology plays no role in determining the meaning of ekklesia in the New Testament. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Its roots lay in the Homeric agora, the meeting of the people. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The Athenian Ecclesia, for which exists the most detailed record, was already functioning in Draco’s day (c. 621 bc). What is the definition of ekklesia? Assemblies of this sort existed in most Greek city-states, continuing to function throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods, though under the Roman Empire their powers gradually atrophied. Corrections? b. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Black Friday Sale! Ecclesia, Greek Ekklēsia, (“gathering of those summoned”), in ancient Greece, assembly of citizens in a city-state. Answer: Understanding the definition of ekklesia (and its alternate spelling ecclesia) is an important component of understanding the church.Ekklesia is a Greek word defined as “a called-out assembly or congregation.”Ekklesia is commonly translated as “church” in the New Testament. Ecclesia, Greek Ekklēsia, (“gathering of those summoned”), in ancient Greece, assembly of citizens in a city-state. Definition: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly . Aside from confirmation of magistrates, consideration of ways and means and similar fixed procedures, the agenda was fixed by the prytaneis. The New Testament is a collection of writings which make use of, not just one, but somewhere around twenty words to communicate to its readers the nature of a community of Christians (disciples, Christians, the body of Christ, brothers, holy ones, God’s people, etc.). Others, including me, disagree with loading the word with such theological meaning based upon etymology. The definition is simply ‘assembly,’ ‘congregation,’ ‘meeting’ and ‘church’” (Redden, 2010, 30; emphasis added). In the Athens of the 5th and 4th centuries bc, the prytaneis, a committee of the Boule (council), summoned the Ecclesia both for regular meetings, held four times in each 10th of the year, and for special sessions. 2. a.