ἐκκλησία (ekklesia)
ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) (Greek Lexicon • G1577 • an assembly, the assembly, congregation, community, (the) church): an assembly, the assembly, congregation, community, (the) church. Primary meaning: an assembly, the assembly, congregation, community, (the) church. Strong's: a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both). Lexical nuances: prop., an assembly of citizens regularly convened (in Thuc., ii, 22, opp. to σύλλογος , a concourse ): Ac 19:32 , 39 , 41 . In LXX of the assembly, congregation, community of Israel (De 4:10 23:2, al.): Ac 7:38 , He 2:12 (LXX) . NT, esp. of an assembly or company of Christians, a (the) church ; of gatherings for worship: I Co 11:18 14:19 , 34 , 35 ; of local communities: Ac 8:3 , I Co 4:17 ; wi... It is closely linked with Book of Ephesians (VIDEO • overview): Overview of Ephesians revealing God's grand plan to unite all things in Christ , reconciling Jew and Gentile into one body, and empowering believers with the armor of God.