Original Word: ἐπιλέγω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: epilegó
Pronunciation: ep-ee-leg'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-leg'-om-ahee)
KJV: call, choose
NASB: called, chose
Word Origin: [middle voice from G1909 (ἐπί - over) and G3004 (λέγω - said)]

1. to surname, select

call, choose.

Middle voice from epi and lego; to surname, select -- call, choose.

see GREEK epi

see GREEK lego

Word Origin
from epi and legó
Definition
to call or name, to choose
NASB Translation
called (1), chose (1).

STRONGS NT 1951: ἐπιλέγω

ἐπιλέγω: (present passive participle ἐπιλεγόμενος); 1 aorist middle participle ἐπιλεξάμενος;

1. to say besides (cf. ἐπί, D. 4) (Herodotus, et al.); to surname (Plato, legg. 3, p. 700 b.): in passive John 5:2 (Tdf. τό λεγομένη), unless the meaning to name (put a name upon) be preferred here; cf. ἐπονομάζω.

2. to choose for (Herodotus and following; the Sept.); middle to choose for oneself: Acts 15:40 (2 Samuel 10:9; Herodotus 3, 157; Thucydides 7, 19; Diodorus 3, 73 (74); 14, 12; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 2, 4, and others).

Overview of Usage

Strong’s Greek 1951 appears only twice in the New Testament. In John 5:2 it introduces the Hebrew designation of the Pool of Bethesda, while in Acts 15:40 it records Paul’s deliberate choice of Silas for missionary service. Though the contexts differ, both occurrences highlight intentionality—whether in assigning a name that carries meaning or in selecting a co-laborer for gospel advance.

John 5:2 — Naming That Preserves Eyewitness Detail

“Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, which has five covered colonnades.” (John 5:2)

The verb alerts the reader that the Evangelist is preserving the local, Semitic title of the pool. By pausing his narrative to supply the Aramaic/Hebrew name, John:

• Transmits an authentic geographical memory that anchors his Gospel in real space and time.
• Bridges cultures, translating a Hebrew term for a Greek-speaking audience without erasing the original setting.
• Signals the theological importance of the locale where Jesus will later heal a disabled man, reinforcing that God’s redemptive work breaks into everyday locations already “called” or recognized by the community.

Acts 15:40 — Choosing for Mission After Conflict

“But Paul chose Silas and departed, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” (Acts 15:40)

Here the verb marks Paul’s decisive action following his disagreement with Barnabas over John Mark. The choice of Silas communicates several ministry principles:

• Discernment: Paul selects a partner whose Roman citizenship, prophetic gifting (Acts 15:32), and Jerusalem credentials will serve the next phase of outreach.
• Continuity: By choosing, Paul exercises responsible leadership without waiting for extraordinary revelation, yet remains subject to the church’s commendation.
• Assurance: The brothers’ prayerful commendation underlines that human choosing can operate harmoniously with divine grace.

Theology of Naming and Choosing

Across Scripture, naming and choosing belong to the language of covenant authority and relational commitment. From Adam’s naming of creatures (Genesis 2:19-20) to God’s naming of covenant heirs (Isaiah 45:4) and Jesus’ appointment of the Twelve (Mark 3:13-14), both actions:

• Confer identity and purpose.
• Express ownership or responsibility.
• Function as pledges that what is named or chosen will serve a larger redemptive plan.

Strong’s 1951, though infrequent, participates in this broader biblical pattern, reminding readers that purposeful words and decisions are integral to God’s unfolding story.

Historical and Cultural Insight

First-century Judaism retained Hebrew or Aramaic place-names even within Hellenistic settings. John’s parenthetical explanatory style fits contemporary historiography and signals to later readers that the Gospel preserves early testimony. Acts, written by Luke the physician, employs administrative terminology familiar in Greco-Roman travel narratives; the verb’s use underscores missionary logistics in a world interconnected by Roman roads and civic structures.

Practical Ministry Significance

1. Preserve Authentic Detail

Churches and teachers should pass on Scripture’s concrete particulars—names, places, eyewitness nuances—so that faith remains rooted in historical reality.

2. Exercise Intentional Selection

Whether appointing elders, sending missionaries, or forming ministry teams, leaders must choose prayerfully and wisely, recognizing that such decisions influence gospel effectiveness for generations.

3. Respect Cultural Contexts

Translating and contextualizing biblical truths, as John does with Bethesda, honors both the original setting and contemporary hearers.

Key Related Passages for Study

• Genesis 17:5—God renames Abram as Abraham.
• Deuteronomy 7:6—Israel chosen as a treasured possession.
• Luke 6:13—Jesus calls His disciples and names apostles.
• Ephesians 1:4—Believers chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.

Conclusion

Although Strong’s Greek 1951 surfaces only twice in the New Testament, its dual emphasis on naming and choosing encapsulates foundational biblical themes: the Lord calls things and people by name, and His servants, guided by grace, likewise make purposeful choices that advance His mission.

επελέξατο επέλεξε επιλέγεται επιλεγομενη επιλεγομένη ἐπιλεγομένη επιλεξαμενος επιλεξάμενος ἐπιλεξάμενος επιλεξάτωσαν επίλεξον επιλέξω epilegomene epilegomenē epilegoméne epilegoménē epilexamenos epilexámenosInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts