One of the biggest deceptions in the Bible today is wordplay, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Matt 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen (G1588 ἐκλεκτός eklektos)”

Matt 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen (G1588 ἐκλεκτός eklektos)”

If you look at the above verse, it seems that few are chosen or selected. This is the same word used for ‘elect’.

Mark 13:20 “And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s (G1588 ἐκλεκτός eklektos) sake, whom He chose (G1586 ἐκλέγομαι eklegomai), He shortened the days.

Elect means Tested

Is the word ‘elect’ even translated correctly in New Testament?

1 Pet 2:6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect (G1588 ἐκλεκτός eklektos), precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

Isa 28:16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested (H976 בֹּחַן bochan) stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

The Hebrew word which was translated as ‘elect’ in New Testament actually means, tested and proven suitable.

As we can clearly see, ‘elect’ doesn’t mean ‘chosen’ but rather ‘tested and proven suitable’.

Food for Thought

Isa 42:1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect (H972 בָּחִיר bachiyr) One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

Matt 12:18 “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen (G140 αἱρετίζω hairetizo), My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles.

The ‘elect’ (bachiyr) in the Old testament is translated as ‘chosen’ (hairetizo) in New Testament. But the ‘chosen’ or ‘elect’ (eklektos) in the New Testament is translated as ‘tested and proven suitable’ (bochan) in the Old Testament.

Conclusion

Many are called and few are not chosen but rather few are tested and proven suitable.