The Greek verb eklegomai means to choose, select, or pick out — the act of deliberate selection from a larger group. The prefix ek- emphasizes the 'out of' aspect: choosing from among many. This is the root of the noun eklektoi (elect/chosen ones), making eklegomai one of the key words for the doctrine of election.
Eklegomai is foundational to the New Testament theology of grace. 'You did not choose me, but I chose (eklegomai) you' (John 15:16). 'He chose us in him before the creation of the world' (Eph 1:4). The divine election is unconditional (not based on foreseen merit), corporate (choosing in Christ), and purposeful (for holiness and fruitfulness). This does not eliminate human responsibility — the New Testament simultaneously commands response to the gospel. The mystery of divine sovereignty and human freedom meets at the cross, where the chosen One died for all that all might come.