Ephesians 2:21

KJV

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} whom {G3739} all {G3956} the building {G3619} fitly framed together {G4883} groweth {G837} unto {G1519} an holy {G40} temple {G3485} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In union with him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

American Standard Version

in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:21 profoundly describes the Church not as a static institution but as a dynamic, living, and unified spiritual edifice. Built upon the foundational work of Christ and His apostles, this divine structure, composed of all believers, is continuously growing and being perfected. Its ultimate purpose is to become a sacred dwelling place, a holy temple, where God Himself resides and is glorified through the Lord Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's magnificent exposition on the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in [Ephesians 2](/ephesians/2 "Ephesians 2 - Reconciliation in Christ"). Having detailed humanity's former alienation from God and the world-breaking peace achieved through Christ's sacrifice on the cross (2:11-18), Paul shifts to the glorious new reality. Verses 19-20 declare that believers, both Jew and Gentile, are no longer strangers but "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God," built upon the "foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." [Ephesians 2:21](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - The Church as a Growing Temple") then seamlessly extends this architectural metaphor, detailing the ongoing construction and spiritual development of this unified, divine dwelling, culminating in the indwelling of God Himself in [Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - God's Dwelling through the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "temple" would have resonated powerfully with both Paul's Jewish and Gentile audiences in Ephesus. For Jews, the Temple in Jerusalem was the central place of God's presence, sacrifice, and worship, a physical structure of immense theological significance. For Gentiles, Ephesus itself was home to the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a symbol of civic and religious pride. Paul's radical redefinition of the temple as a spiritual, living entity composed of diverse believers would have been revolutionary. It challenged the notion that God's presence was confined to a physical building or limited to a single ethnic group, emphasizing instead a new, inclusive community where God's Spirit dwells. This understanding underscored the unity required among the diverse members of the Ephesian church, composed of former idolaters and devout Jews.
* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians 2:21](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - The Church as a Growing Temple") contributes significantly to several major themes in Ephesians. Firstly, it highlights the **Unity of the Church**, demonstrating how diverse individuals are "fitly framed together" into a cohesive whole, transcending previous ethnic and social divisions, a concept central to Paul's argument in [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace"). Secondly, it develops the theme of the **Church as God's Dwelling Place**, portraying believers collectively as a "holy temple" where God's Spirit resides, a profound theological shift from the Old Testament physical temple. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Spiritual Growth and Edification**, as the building "groweth," signifying the continuous process of maturation and expansion of the body of Christ, a theme Paul returns to in [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ"). Finally, the concept of becoming "an holy temple" underscores the **Sanctification and Divine Purpose** of the Church, set apart for God's glory and service, reflecting the broader call to live a life worthy of the calling found throughout the letter, particularly in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Building (Greek, _oikodomḗ'_):** From G3619, meaning architecture, a structure, or figuratively, confirmation and edification. In this context, it refers to the collective body of believers, the Church, being constructed as a spiritual edifice. It implies a process of continuous construction and strengthening, rather than a completed, static entity.
* **Fitly framed together (Greek, _synarmologéō'_):** From G4883, meaning to render close-jointed together or to organize compactly. This powerful compound verb emphasizes the precise, harmonious, and interdependent connection of each individual part (believer) within the whole structure. It speaks to the divine design and the essential unity required for the stability and integrity of the spiritual building.
* **Groweth (Greek, _auxánō'_):** From G837, a primary verb meaning to grow or enlarge, either literally or figuratively. This word highlights the dynamic and organic nature of the Church. It is not a stagnant structure but a living entity that is constantly expanding, maturing, and increasing in spiritual vitality and size, both individually and corporately.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In whom":** This phrase, referring back to Jesus Christ as the "chief corner stone" in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone"), establishes Christ as the central figure and unifying principle of the entire spiritual construction. All growth, unity, and purpose derive from Him.
* **"all the building":** This refers to the universal Church, the collective body of all believers, both Jew and Gentile, who have been reconciled and brought near to God through Christ. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this spiritual edifice, encompassing every redeemed individual.
* **"fitly framed together":** This vivid imagery describes the precise and harmonious integration of every component (believer) within the Church. It signifies that each part has a specific, essential place and function, and that their proper connection ensures the stability, strength, and beauty of the whole. This is not a haphazard collection but a divinely organized structure.
* **"groweth":** This signifies the dynamic, ongoing, and organic process of the Church's development. It indicates a continuous increase in spiritual maturity, numerical expansion, and deepening of faith, implying that the Church is a living entity, not a finished project.
* **"unto an holy temple":** This reveals the ultimate purpose and destiny of the growing building. The Church is being perfected to become a sacred dwelling place, set apart for God's presence and worship. It is a spiritual temple, not made with hands, where God's Spirit truly dwells among His people.
* **"in the Lord":** This final phrase reiterates the absolute dependence of the Church's growth, holiness, and very existence on Jesus Christ. It is in union with Him, by His power, and for His glory that the Church fulfills its purpose as God's holy temple.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Architectural Imagery** throughout this passage, likening the Church to a magnificent building. This central **Metaphor** of the "building" and "holy temple" effectively conveys the structural integrity, divine design, and sacred purpose of the Christian community. The phrase "fitly framed together" further elaborates on this imagery, emphasizing the precise and interdependent nature of each "living stone" (believer) within the whole. The use of **Personification** in "groweth" imbues the inanimate "building" with life and dynamism, highlighting the organic, continuous development of the Church. This combination of devices powerfully communicates the unity, vitality, and sacred identity of the body of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:21 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of the Church as God's new dwelling place. It signifies a profound theological shift from the Old Covenant, where God's presence was localized in a physical temple, to the New Covenant, where His Spirit indwells His people collectively. This "holy temple" is not merely a metaphor for individual believers, but for the corporate body of Christ, united in purpose and function. It underscores the reality that God's presence is now manifested through the unified life and worship of His redeemed community, a community that is continually being built up and sanctified by the Holy Spirit for His glory. This ongoing construction highlights God's active involvement in perfecting His Church, making it a fitting sanctuary for His divine presence.

* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")
* [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")
* [Colossians 2:19](/colossians/2-19 "Colossians 2:19 - Growth from Christ, the Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:21 calls every believer to a profound awareness of their individual and corporate identity within God's grand design. If the Church is a living, growing temple, then each one of us is an indispensable "living stone" (as [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") puts it). This truth should inspire us to actively participate in the Church's edification, recognizing that our personal spiritual growth and commitment to unity directly contribute to the health and effectiveness of the whole. It challenges us to live lives of increasing holiness, as befits a dwelling place for God's Spirit, and to embrace our interconnectedness, allowing our unique gifts and personalities to "fitly frame together" with others. The ongoing "growth" reminds us that the Church is not static; it is a dynamic movement, continually expanding in number and maturity, calling us to engage in discipleship, outreach, and service that contributes to this divine increase.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Church as a "fitly framed" and "growing" temple impact your view of your local congregation?**
* **In what specific ways can you personally contribute to the "growth" and "holiness" of the spiritual temple that is the Church?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster greater unity and "fitly framing together" with other believers, especially those who are different from you?**
* **How does the indwelling of God's Spirit in the Church (as a holy temple) influence your daily walk and your interactions with the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "fitly framed together" mean for the church today?**

Answer: "Fitly framed together" (Greek: _synarmologéō_) signifies that every member of the church is precisely and harmoniously integrated, like perfectly cut stones in a building. For the church today, this means that unity is not merely an ideal but an essential characteristic. Each believer, with their unique gifts, backgrounds, and personalities, has a specific and indispensable place and function within the body of Christ. It calls for intentional efforts to overcome divisions, embrace diversity, and work together in mutual submission and love, ensuring that the church operates as a cohesive, stable, and effective spiritual structure for God's glory, as described in [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Built Up in Love").

**How does the church "grow" as a temple?**

Answer: The church "groweth" (Greek: _auxánō_) in two primary ways. Firstly, it grows numerically as new believers are added to the body through evangelism and conversion, expanding the "building." Secondly, and perhaps more importantly in this context, it grows spiritually. This involves the individual maturation of believers in faith, knowledge, and Christlikeness, and the collective edification of the church through teaching, discipleship, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. This growth leads to increased holiness, unity, and effectiveness in fulfilling God's purposes, making the church a more fitting and vibrant dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, as Paul prays for the Ephesians' spiritual growth in [Ephesians 3:16-19](/ephesians/3-16-19 "Ephesians 3:16-19 - Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strength").

**Is the "holy temple" a physical building or something else?**

Answer: The "holy temple" in [Ephesians 2:21](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - The Church as a Growing Temple") is not a physical building made of stone and mortar, but a spiritual reality. It refers to the collective body of believers, the Church, as the dwelling place of God's Spirit. In the Old Testament, God's presence was uniquely manifested in the physical Temple in Jerusalem. However, with the coming of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God now dwells among and within His people, the Church. This spiritual temple is built of "living stones" (believers) and is continuously being constructed and sanctified by God Himself, as articulated in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a component of this spiritual temple; He is its very essence and foundation. As the "chief corner stone" (as declared in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone")), Christ establishes the alignment and stability of the entire structure. It is "in whom" (Christ) that the building is "fitly framed together" and "groweth," signifying that all unity, cohesion, and spiritual vitality flow from His headship and life-giving power. The Church becomes a "holy temple" because of Christ's sanctifying work, His atoning sacrifice having cleansed and set apart His people for God's purposes (as seen in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Furthermore, it is "in the Lord" that this temple exists and functions, underscoring His supreme authority and the truth that the Church's very identity and mission are inextricably bound to Him. Thus, the Church as God's dwelling place is entirely Christ-centered, a living monument to His redemptive work and ongoing presence through the Spirit (as promised in [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 3:17

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1 Kings 6:7

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.