What does ἐκλεκτός · θεός mean in the Bible?
ἐκλεκτός · θεός is a Greek phrase meaning "select; by implication, favorite".
Greek · G1588, G2316
ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ
Select; by implication, favorite · God
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
ἐκλεκτόςG1588select; by implication, favorite
Pronunciationeklektós
Chosen by God for covenant relationship and privilege, not merely selected for excellence or merit
Open lexicon entry →θεόςG2316God
Pronunciationtheós
The definite article marks God as the one true God; anarthrous form emphasizes His divine nature or character.
Open lexicon entry →What does ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ (eklektōn theou) mean in the Bible?
ἐκλεκτός · θεός is a Greek phrase meaning "select; by implication, favorite".
Full entry for ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ (G1588, G2316) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for G1588, G2316?
G1588, G2316 is connected to 23 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Greek phrase. select; by implication, favorite
Source Gloss
select; by implication, favorite
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
This word appears as a noun across 9 case and number patterns. The form changes show how the word functions in a sentence; they do not change the basic lexical meaning by themselves.
Form patterns9Aligned forms23Case patternAccusative (10)Number patternPlural (15)
Nominative · Plural · MasculineMatt 22:14 · Col 3:12 · Rev 17:143×
Nominative · Singular · MasculineLuke 23:35 · John 1:342×
Nominative · Singular · Neuter1 Pet 2:91×
Genitive · Plural · MasculineLuke 18:7 · Rom 8:33 · 1 Tim 5:21 · Titus 1:14×
Genitive · Singular · Feminine2 John 1:131×
Dative · Plural · Masculine1 Pet 1:11×
Dative · Singular · Feminine2 John 1:11×
Accusative · Plural · MasculineMatt 24:22 · Matt 24:24 · Matt 24:31 · Mark 13:20 · Mark 13:22 · Mark 13:27 · 2 Tim 2:107×
Accusative · Singular · MasculineRom 16:13 · 1 Pet 2:4 · 1 Pet 2:63×
Word Origins
ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ is built from this root: