Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

In {G1722} whom {G3739} ye {G5210} also {G2532} are builded together {G4925} for {G1519} an habitation {G2732} of God {G2316} through {G1722} the Spirit {G4151}.

Yes, in union with him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for God!

And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

Context

Ephesians 2:22 concludes Paul's powerful architectural metaphor describing the new spiritual reality for believers in Christ. In the preceding verses (Ephesians 2:19-21), Paul explains that through Christ, Gentiles who were once alienated from God and Israel are now no longer "strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." They are built upon the "foundation of the apostles and prophets," with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. This verse emphasizes the collective and unified nature of the church, where all believers, both Jew and Gentile, are integrated into one living structure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Habitation: The verse proclaims that the ultimate purpose of this spiritual building is to be a permanent "habitation of God." This signifies that God, who once dwelt in a physical temple in Jerusalem, now chooses to dwell among His people—the collective body of believers. This concept is central to understanding the church's sacred role.
  • Unity and Community: The phrase "builded together" highlights the essential unity of all believers. It's not a collection of individual stones, but a unified structure where each part is intricately connected and contributes to the whole. This unity is crucial for the church to function as God's dwelling place.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit: The phrase "through the Spirit" reveals the divine agent by which this spiritual building is constructed and maintained, and by which God indwells. The Holy Spirit is the enabling power that unifies believers and facilitates God's presence among them, making the church a living temple.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "habitation" here is katoikētērion, which denotes a permanent dwelling place or residence. This emphasizes God's enduring and committed presence within His church, rather than a temporary visit. The term "builded together" comes from the Greek sunoikodomēo, a compound verb meaning "to build together" or "to build up with." It strongly conveys the idea of co-construction and mutual edification, underscoring the communal effort and divine orchestration in forming this spiritual temple.

Related Scriptures

This concept of believers as a spiritual temple where God dwells is echoed throughout the New Testament. Paul also teaches in 1 Corinthians 3:16, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in individual believers and in the corporate body is a foundational truth, as seen in Romans 8:9. The call to preserve this unity is further emphasized in Ephesians 4:3, urging believers to endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 2:22 serves as a profound reminder of our corporate identity and purpose. It calls us to recognize the church not merely as a building or an organization, but as a living, sacred community where God Himself chooses to reside through His Spirit. This understanding should foster a deep sense of respect, reverence, and responsibility within the Christian community. It encourages us to prioritize unity, mutual support, and spiritual growth, knowing that as we are "builded together," we become a more fitting and evident dwelling place for God's glory in the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:4

    ¶ To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16

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

  • John 17:21

    That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

  • John 17:23

    I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

  • 1 John 4:16

    And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

  • 1 John 4:13

    Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

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