from ἐπί and οἰκοδομέω; to build upon, i.e. (figuratively) to rear up:--build thereon (thereupon, on, upon).
Transliteration:epoikodoméō
Pronunciation:ep-oy-kod-om-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodoméō, `{{G2026}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "on," and the verb οἰκοδομέω (oikodoméō, `{{G3618}}`), which means "to build a house," "to construct," or "to edify." Thus, the core meaning of ἐποικοδομέω is "to build upon," "to build further," or "to superimpose construction upon an existing foundation." While it can denote literal construction upon a base, its predominant use in the New Testament is figurative, referring to spiritual edification. This includes the process of building up individual believers in their faith and character, as well as the collective construction of the church as a spiritual edifice. The emphasis is consistently on the *continuation* or *addition* to something already established, implying both a foundation and the subsequent work.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐποικοδομέω appears a handful of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles, where its figurative use is richly developed:
* **1 Corinthians 3:10-14**: This passage is perhaps the most illustrative. Paul identifies himself as a "wise master builder" who has laid a foundation (Christ Jesus, [[1 Corinthians 3:11]]). He then states that "another is building upon it" (ἐποικοδομεῖ, [[1 Corinthians 3:10]]). The subsequent verses warn about the quality of materials used in this building process—gold, silver, costly stones versus wood, hay, straw—and the eventual testing of each person's work by fire ([[1 Corinthians 3:12-13]]). Here, ἐποικοδομέω signifies the ongoing work of ministry and discipleship that builds upon the foundational truth of Christ. It underscores the responsibility of those who teach and lead to ensure their work is substantial and enduring, not superficial or perishable.
* **Ephesians 2:20**: Here, believers are described as "having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone" (ἐποικοδομηθέντες, [[Ephesians 2:20]]). This usage highlights the corporate nature of the church as God's dwelling place, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([[Ephesians 2:21]]). The passive voice emphasizes that believers are the *recipients* of this divine construction, being integrated into a structure whose ultimate foundation and cohesion are found in Christ and the authoritative revelation given through His apostles and prophets.
* **Colossians 2:7**: Paul exhorts believers to be "rooted and built up in Him [Christ] and established in your faith" (ἐποικοδομούμενοι, [[Colossians 2:7]]). This verse combines the metaphors of a tree deeply rooted and a building firmly constructed, emphasizing stability, growth, and security in Christ. The present participle suggests an ongoing process of spiritual formation and strengthening that leads to an overflow of thankfulness. It points to the active, continuous process of spiritual growth that is centered in Christ.
* **Jude 1:20**: Jude encourages believers to "build yourselves up on your most holy faith" (ἐποικοδομοῦντες, [[Jude 1:20]]). This is a direct imperative for personal spiritual discipline. Unlike the corporate building in Ephesians or the ministerial building in 1 Corinthians, Jude emphasizes the individual's active role in their own edification, specifically through prayer in the Holy Spirit. It implies that true faith is not static but requires continuous, self-directed effort to deepen and strengthen one's spiritual foundation.
Across these contexts, ἐποικοδομέω consistently points to the development and strengthening of spiritual life, whether individually or corporately, always resting upon the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ and His truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ἐποικοδομέω is greatly enhanced by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **οἰκοδομέω (oikodoméō, `{{G3618}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to build" or "to edify." ἐποικοδομέω specifies the action as building *upon* something. Both verbs are central to the New Testament's architectural metaphors for spiritual growth.
* **οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, `{{G3619}}`)**: The noun form, meaning "a building" or "edification." It frequently refers to the act of building up the church or individual believers.
* **θεμέλιος (themelios, `{{G2310}}`)**: "Foundation." This word is almost invariably present or implied when ἐποικοδομέω is used, as one cannot build upon something without a pre-existing base. The New Testament consistently identifies Christ as the ultimate foundation ([[1 Corinthians 3:11]], [[Ephesians 2:20]]).
* **συναρμολογέω (synarmologeō, `{{G4887}}`)** and **συνίζω (synizō, `{{G4964}}`)**: "To fit together" and "to grow together." These verbs, particularly in Ephesians ([[Ephesians 2:21]], [[Ephesians 4:16]]), describe the intricate and organic way individual believers are joined together to form the spiritual building.
* **Concepts**: The spiritual building, the church as the body of Christ, spiritual growth, maturity, discipleship, sound doctrine, and the quality of one's works. The antithesis of ἐποικοδομέω would be destruction, tearing down, or undermining the faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐποικοδομέω is profound, encapsulating key aspects of Christian life and ecclesiology:
1. **The Centrality of the Foundation**: The consistent emphasis on building *upon* a foundation highlights the absolute necessity of Christ as the bedrock of faith and the church. Without this divine foundation, any spiritual construction is futile and destined to collapse.
2. **Responsibility in Ministry and Life**: The word underscores the grave responsibility of those who minister and, indeed, all believers, in how they contribute to the spiritual edifice. The warning in 1 Corinthians 3 about the quality of building materials ([[1 Corinthians 3:12-15]]) serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual work must be done with integrity, sound doctrine, and genuine devotion, as it will be tested by God.
3. **Corporate Identity of the Church**: ἐποικοδομέω vividly portrays the church not merely as a collection of individuals but as a divinely constructed, organic unity—a living temple where God dwells ([[Ephesians 2:21-22]]). This emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers and the communal aspect of their growth.
4. **Ongoing Spiritual Growth**: The use of the verb often implies a continuous process. Believers are not merely saved and then static; they are called to be "built up" in their faith ([[Colossians 2:7]]) and to actively "build themselves up" ([[Jude 1:20]]). This highlights the dynamic nature of sanctification and discipleship.
5. **Divine and Human Agency**: While God is the ultimate builder and provides the foundation, ἐποικοδομέω also involves human cooperation. Believers are called to participate actively in their own edification and in the edification of others, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodoméō, `{{G2026}}`) fundamentally means "to build upon" or "to build further." In the New Testament, it is consistently employed in a figurative sense to describe spiritual edification. This encompasses both the corporate construction of the church, which rests on the unshakeable foundation of Christ and the apostolic teaching ([[Ephesians 2:20]]), and the ongoing personal growth of individual believers who are to be "built up" in their faith ([[Colossians 2:7]]) and actively "build themselves up" ([[Jude 1:20]]). The term carries significant theological weight, emphasizing the critical importance of a proper foundation (Christ), the responsibility of believers to build with quality and integrity ([[1 Corinthians 3:10-14]]), and the dynamic, continuous nature of spiritual development. It portrays the Christian life and the church as an active, divine-human construction project, culminating in a dwelling place for God.
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