Expert: Dean Gade - 8/31/2008

Question
I have been told that the word 'Church' comes from the Greek language meaning 'Circle'. I can find every other definition under the sun for the origin of the word 'Church' on the internet, but not this one. Is this correct? Can it mean this literally in that language, even if a more obscure translation? It has a very important effect upon my Biblical research studies if it can and I would appreciate your expert opinion on this. Many thanks.

Answer
I have never heard of such a meaning for the word "church".

The etymology of the word begins with the Greek word "ekklesia".  This word is made up of "ek" or "ex" meaning "out of" or "from";   and the verb "kaleow" meaning "called".   Thus the literal meaning in the noun form is "those called out of".

The meaning of the term, "church", as used by the Bible concerning Christians is: "those who have been called out of the 'world'  and into "God's kingdom through the good news of Jesus Christ as their savior and lord".

The verb form of "kaleow" (called) is used quite often in the NT speaking about God's calling various disciples.   In I Cor. alone, it used a dozen times.
And it is also commonly used to designate a name..as in "His name shall be CALLED...."

The Greek word for "circle" used in the Bible is "kooklow" and can have the meaning of "those who are AROUND another person".