A Greek adjective meaning chosen out, selected, elect, choice. From ek (out of) and legō (to choose, pick). It describes those chosen by God for a special purpose or relationship. Applied to Christ as the Chosen One, to Israel as the elect nation, and to believers as God's chosen people.
Election is one of theology's most debated doctrines, and eklektos is at its center. Jesus is the 'Chosen One' of God (Luke 23:35; 1 Peter 2:4) — election begins with Christ, and believers are elect in Him. Paul says God 'chose us in him before the foundation of the world' (Ephesians 1:4). Peter addresses believers as 'elect exiles' (1 Peter 1:1) — chosen yet scattered, privileged yet suffering. Jesus says, 'Many are called, but few are chosen' (Matthew 22:14). The comfort of election is not presumption but assurance: if God chose us, nothing can un-choose us (Romans 8:33: 'Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?'). Election is always for purpose — chosen to serve, to bear fruit, to bless others.