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κελεύω

keleúō

G2753 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To command or order authoritatively, typically issuing an instruction to be carried out by another. The primary sense is to require action through verbal command. Contextually, the verb can denote issuing military orders, governmental instructions, or general directions in interpersonal or judicial situations. It emphasizes the exercise of authority by the speaker over the recipient, distinct from mere advice or suggestion. In the New Testament and related sources, it often denotes giving a directive that is expected to be obeyed.

Semantic Range

to command, to give an order, to instruct authoritatively, to issue an official or judicial directive, to require by command; historically also to incite or urge on (rare in Koine).

Root / Etymology

Probably from the Greek root κελευ-; exact primitive origin is uncertain. The term is longstanding in Greek, found already in Homeric and classical texts, but its etymology is debated by scholars and not securely connected to other Greek roots.

Historical & Contextual Notes

κελεύω is attested from Homeric Greek onward, always with the sense of commanding or ordering, particularly in the context of authority (e.g., commanders to subordinates, officials to citizens, elders to juniors). Classical usage included both civil and military commands; in the Septuagint and New Testament, κελεύω frequently describes legal, judicial, or governmental instructions (e.g., orders from rulers, magistrates, or Roman authorities). While English Bible translations often render it as 'command' or 'order,' the nuance of authoritative verbal instruction is sometimes broader than 'to bid,' which can imply polite request. Unlike παραγγέλλω, which can stress notification or transmission of an order, κελεύω centers on issuing an authoritative command to be carried out. In inscriptions and papyri, κελεύω often appears in official directives or decrees.

Translation Consistency

primary "command" 27 occurrences

κελεύω most commonly means to issue an authoritative order or directive; in the New Testament it typically denotes commanding someone to do something. "Command" is natural, idiomatic English that captures the authoritative force of the verb and matches the majority of existing renderings (e.g., "commanded"). It will produce consistent, clear translations across all forms of this Strong's number.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a primary (to urge on); "hail"; to incite by word, i.e. order:--bid, (at, give) command(-ment).

Root Family

κελεύω (keleuō) — to command, to order, to direct

Root κελευ- to command, to order, to direct

Word Forms

9 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2753-04 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded 15
G2753-08 κελεύσας keleusas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having commanded having commanded having commanded 3
G2753-02 ἐκέλευσα ekeleusa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I commanded I commanded I commanded 2
G2753-09 κέλευσόν keleuson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG command Command! Command 2
G2753-03 ἐκέλευσε ekeleuse V AOR ACT IND 3P SG ordered he commanded he commanded 1
G2753-01 ἐκέλευον ekeleuon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL commanded they were commanding they were commanding 1
G2753-07 κελεύσαντος keleusantos V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG having commanded of having commanded when commanded 1
G2753-05 κελεύεις keleueis V PRS ACT IND 2P SG you command you command you command 1
G2753-06 κελεύσαντες keleusantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having commanded having commanded having commanded 1

Occurrences in Scripture

27 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2753-04 Matthew 8:18 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG gave orders he commanded he commanded
G2753-04 Matthew 14:9 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he commanded he commanded he commanded
G2753-08 Matthew 14:19 κελεύσας keleusas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having commanded having commanded having commanded
G2753-09 Matthew 14:28 κέλευσόν keleuson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG command Command! Command
G2753-04 Matthew 18:25 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G2753-04 Matthew 27:58 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG ordered he commanded he commanded
G2753-09 Matthew 27:64 κέλευσον keleuson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG give orders Command! Command
G2753-04 Luke 18:40 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G2753-04 John 8:5 ἐκέλευσεν ekeleusen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG commanded he commanded he commanded
G2753-06 Acts 4:15 κελεύσαντες keleusantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having commanded having commanded having commanded
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