Choice (1589) (ekloge from eklegomai [eklego - word study] in turn from ek = out + lego = select, choose, eklegomai meaning to choose or select for oneself, but not necessarily implying rejection of what is not chosen. See study of related word eklektos = elect) means literally a choosing out, a picking out, a selection or an election (2Pe 1:10, 1Th 1:4 - referring to God's selection of believers). In the passive sense ekloge refers to God's selection for a purpose or task. In other words it represents a special choice as when God referred to Paul as "my chosen instrument" (Acts 9:15). In Ro 11:28 ekloge speaks of God's choice of Israel, who were selected by Him to carry out His specific plan of redemption for mankind. In the context of Scripture ekloge speaks of election, the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they are led to embrace and persevere in Christ’s bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter. Although not used in this way in the present context, ekloge, can describe election which is vocational. The Lord called out the tribe of Levi to be His priests, but Levites were not thereby guaranteed salvation. Jesus called twelve men to be apostles but only eleven of them to salvation. After Paul came to Christ because of God’s election to salvation, God then chose him in another way to be His special apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Ro 1:5). Ekloge - 7x in 7v - Acts 9:15; Ro 9:11-note; Ro11:5-note, Ro 11:7-note, Ro 11:28-note; 1Th 1:4-note; 2Pe 1:10-note. NAS = choice(4), choosing(1), chosen(1), those who were chosen(1). NIDNTT elaborates on several interesting aspects of secular use of this word group (eklego, eklegomai, ekloge, eklektos) in classic Greek noting that... (1) eklegomai (Herodotus) is the middle voice of eklego, pick out, choose out a person or thing (from a sizeable number). The active form does not occur at all in the NT and only occasionally in the LXX. It is derived from lego = count, collect, read (Word). The verbal adjective eklektos, which is sometimes used absolutely (attested since Plato), denotes the person or thing upon whom the choice has fallen. The noun ekloge, derived from the verb (likewise Plato) and originally meaning exclusively the act of choosing, can be used with the verbs lambano = take, poieomai = do, or ginomai, here in the sense of arrive at. The words of this group are used in various contexts, but wherever they are found, it is evident that certain things common to them all are implied. First, there are several objects from which to choose; secondly, the person making the choice is not tied down by any circumstances which force his hand, but is free to make his own decision. Thirdly, the person making the choice-at least at the moment of choosing-has the person or thing to be chosen at his disposal. Moreover, the act of choosing (and thus the words of this group) includes a judgment by the chooser as to which object he considers to be the most suitable for the fulfilment of his purpose. It is not of vital importance whether it be objective criteria, or subjective feelings and considerations which are paramount in making the decision. (2) Although these words originate in military vocabulary, by the time of Plato eklegomai and ekloge are already in use in a political sense (referring to elections). In every case it is a matter of electing people to perform a certain task, or administer a certain office. These include in the political sphere the presbytai, elders, for the administration of the polis (city) (Plato, Rep., 536c; Polybius, 6, 10, 9), the archontes (Plato, Rep., 414a, Beginning, art. arche NT 4), or other officials and people with public responsibilities (Plato, Laws, 802b). ekloge, however, is also used of the general conscription of men for military service (Polybius 5,63,11), and the selection of individuals from the whole army for a particularly difficult or glorious mission (Polybius 9, 13, 9). Prudence and experience, appropriate standing in society or sufficient wealth, courage and suitability constitute the conditions necessary in each instance, if a person is to be considered for election. But it is the election itself which makes it possible for him to take up his function and which at the same time lays an obligation upon him. For election, whether of individuals or of a group, is regarded as a distinction (very occasionally it is used in a negative sense, implying especial severity). It is usually conducted in a manner in keeping with the concept of an aristocratic élite. It is always, however, accompanied by some kind of obligation or task concerned with the well-being of all the other members of the community of which the one elected forms part. Through its proper organs, the polis gives the individual who has special gifts the opportunity to develop these for the benefit of all. (3) At the same time, the words may be applied to objects. eklegomai is used of the choice of certain places (Plato, Tim., 24c), deciding in favour of what is intellectually or aesthetically good (Symposium, 198d), or selection of especially treasured passages from literature in general or from the work of a certain author (Athenaeus, 14, 663c; Polybius, 1, 47, 9). Ekloge can also refer to the requisition of material (e.g. ships), or the levying of official tribute and taxes (Athenaeus 6, 235b). The words express in every case the idea that a part has been claimed from a greater quantity, by an independent act of decision for a particular purpose, and that the remainder has been passed over. (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan) NOT BECAUSE OF WORKS BUT BECAUSE OF HIM WHO CALLS: ouk ex ergon all ek tou kalountos (PAPMSG): (Ro 11:6; Ephesians 2:9; Titus 3:5) (Calling - Ro 8:28; 1Thessalonians 2:12; 2Thessalonians 2:13,14; 1Peter 5:10; Revelation 17:14-note) Not because of works but... - Literally the Greek reads "not out of works but out of the calling". In other words, it is not because of anything that man does within himself. In the current verse Esau and Jacob were not born so they could not have done anything yet. Man does not obtain salvation by his works. He cannot manipulate God by His works. God is sovereign in election and in salvation. Calls in this context means "calls to salvation" (see discussion of "the called" in study of the related word kletos). God's call to salvation in the epistles of Paul and Peter is an "effectual" call so that in essence those who are called equates with those who are chosen (the elect).