Etymology and Biblical Terminology: The Meaning of “Church”

The English word “church” originates from the Old English cirice, which itself was derived from the Greek kuriakon, meaning “belonging to the Lord.” However, this is not the word used in the Greek New Testament. Instead, the New Testament uses the term ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), which literally means “called-out assembly.” It is derived from the root words ek (“out of”) and kaleo (“to call”). Thus, the term describes a group of individuals called out from the world to assemble for a specific purpose.

In the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used in the first century—ekklesia is employed to translate the Hebrew qahal (קָהָל), meaning “assembly” or “congregation.” This was frequently used to refer to the congregation of Israel gathered for religious purposes (e.g., Deut. 9:10; 1 Kings 8:14). The term synagogue (synagōgē) is also used but came to refer more narrowly to Jewish meeting houses during the Second Temple period.

In the New Testament, ekklesia appears 114 times and is consistently translated as “church.” It refers either to local gatherings of Christians (e.g., Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 1:2) or the universal body of believers (e.g., Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23). Importantly, it never refers to a physical building but always to people—those “called out” by God through the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9).

The Church in the Old Testament Foreshadowing

While the term church is distinctively New Testament, the concept of a called-out people begins with Israel. Deuteronomy 7:6 describes Israel as “a people holy to Jehovah your God; Jehovah your God has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession.” Israel was gathered at Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:17) and later assembled for covenant renewal (Deut. 29:10-13). The Septuagint translates these assemblies with ekklesia, showing conceptual continuity between the Israelite assembly and the New Testament church.

However, the New Testament church is not a continuation of national Israel but a new body formed through faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:15 explains that Jesus “created in Himself one new man from the two [Jew and Gentile], making peace.” The church transcends ethnic boundaries and is defined by spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-6) and union with Christ (Gal. 3:26-29).

The Church as the Body of Christ

One of the most prominent metaphors for the church in the New Testament is the “body of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul explains that believers are individually members of one body, with Christ as the Head (Col. 1:18). This emphasizes unity, diversity, and interdependence. Each believer is gifted differently (Rom. 12:4-8), yet all contribute to the health and function of the body.

Ephesians 4:11-16 elaborates on this theme, stating that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The goal is maturity, doctrinal stability, and Christlikeness. The church is not merely a collection of individuals but an organism growing together in love and truth.

The Church as the Bride of Christ

Another profound image is that of the church as the bride of Christ. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:25-27, “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her… that she would be holy and blameless.” This marriage metaphor illustrates the exclusive covenant relationship between Christ and His redeemed people.

Revelation 19:7-9 describes the marriage supper of the Lamb, when the bride—symbolizing the faithful church—is united with Christ in final victory. This underscores both the present sanctifying relationship and the future consummation of that union.

The Local and Universal Church

Scripture distinguishes between the universal church—all true believers throughout history—and local churches, which are specific assemblies in particular geographic areas. For instance, Paul greets “the church of God that is in Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:2), while also describing the broader church as that “for which [Christ] died” (Eph. 5:25).

Local churches were independent congregations with designated overseers (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5) and deacons (Phil. 1:1). They met regularly for teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). Discipline, doctrinal purity, and mutual edification were essential functions of these gatherings (1 Cor. 5:1-13; Heb. 10:24-25).

Yet these churches were united by their common faith, doctrine, and allegiance to Christ. Paul emphasizes that “we, though many, are one body in Christ” (Rom. 12:5), even though they met in different cities and homes (Rom. 16:5; Col. 4:15).

The Marks and Mission of the Church

According to Scripture, the true church possesses certain marks:

1. Sound Doctrine: The church is “the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). It must guard against false teaching (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

2. Ordinances: The two biblical ordinances are believer’s baptism by immersion (Acts 2:41; Rom. 6:3-4) and the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

3. Qualified Leadership: Pastors/elders must meet moral and doctrinal qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9).

4. Discipline: The church must address sin among its members to maintain holiness (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:6-7).

5. Evangelism and Discipleship: The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) defines the church’s mission: to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey all Christ commanded.

6. Mutual Edification: Believers must build one another up in love and service (Eph. 4:16; Heb. 10:24).

The church exists for the glory of God through the proclamation of His truth, the sanctification of His people, and the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The Assembly Is Not the Building

The modern conflation of the term “church” with physical buildings is unbiblical. Nowhere in Scripture is a building referred to as the church. Rather, “church” refers to the redeemed people of God. Acts 2:46 says the early Christians met “in the temple and breaking bread from house to house.” Their unity was spiritual and relational, not architectural.

Paul calls believers “God’s temple” (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), a concept that emphasizes the indwelling presence of God among His people, not a place. Buildings can serve the practical function of gathering, but they do not constitute the church.

The Church and Israel: Distinctions Maintained

While some theological systems merge the church with Israel, the New Testament maintains a distinction. Israel was a national, ethnic people under the Mosaic covenant. The church is an international, spiritual body formed by faith in the risen Christ.

Romans 11 distinguishes between Israel and the Gentile church, using the imagery of a cultivated olive tree and grafted branches. Paul affirms that God’s promises to Israel remain intact (Rom. 11:29), but the church now functions as the primary means of God’s redemptive work until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Rom. 11:25).

The Future of the Church: Reign with Christ

According to the premillennial view of Scripture, Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign (Rev. 20:4-6). The church, as His bride and body, will reign with Him as kings, priests, and judges (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 5:10). Following this reign, the final judgment will take place, and the eternal state will begin with the creation of a new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:1-5).

Conclusion: The Church Is the Called-Out Assembly of Believers

The biblical concept of the church centers on a people, not a place; a spiritual body, not a social club. It is the gathering of born-again believers called out from the world to worship God, obey His Word, and proclaim His gospel. The church is the bride of Christ, the body of believers, and the pillar of truth. Its authority derives from Scripture alone, and its mission is global, eternal, and Christ-exalting.

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