### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4925 συνοικοδομέω (synoikodoméō) is a compound word derived from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and οἰκοδομέω (oikodoméō), meaning "to build a house" or "to edify." Its core meaning therefore signifies "to build together" or "to construct jointly." The base definition provided emphasizes its figurative use in the New Testament, particularly in a passive sense, to describe the collective composition of believers as a unified spiritual structure. The "together" component is crucial, highlighting a corporate, rather than individual, act of building or being built. It implies a process of integration and unification among distinct parts to form a cohesive whole.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4925 συνοικοδομέω appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Ephesians 2:22]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding the apostle Paul's ecclesiology. In [[Ephesians 2:19-22]], Paul describes Gentile believers as no longer strangers and aliens, but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." He then employs an architectural metaphor, stating that believers "are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." It is within this rich context that [[Ephesians 2:22]] states, "in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
The passive voice of συνoικοδομέω ("are being built together") underscores divine agency; God is the ultimate architect and builder of this spiritual edifice. However, it also implies the active participation and integration of individual believers as "living stones" (cf. [[1 Peter 2:5]]) into this corporate structure. The present tense indicates an ongoing process, not a completed state, of construction and integration. The immediate context of [[Ephesians 2]] emphasizes the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, uniting them into one new humanity in Christ. This unified body is then described as being "built together," illustrating the profound spiritual unity and interdependence of all believers, regardless of their former distinctions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is οἰκοδομέω (oikodoméō - `{{G3618}}`), the root verb meaning "to build" or "to edify." This term and its noun form, οἰκοδομή (oikodomē - `{{G3619}}`, "building" or "edification"), are central to Pauline theology concerning spiritual growth, the development of the church, and the strengthening of individual believers. The prefix σύν (syn - `{{G4862}}`) is itself a significant element, appearing in numerous New Testament words to denote fellowship, co-participation, or unity (e.g., συνεργός - synergos, fellow worker; σύνδεσμος - syndesmos, bond of unity).
Conceptually, G4925 συνοικοδομέω is deeply intertwined with the biblical metaphor of the Church as a temple or building. This metaphor is also seen in [[1 Corinthians 3:9-17]], where believers are God's field and God's building, and the Spirit dwells in them as a temple. The concept of "unity in Christ" is paramount, particularly as it pertains to the reconciliation of diverse peoples into one body ([[Ephesians 2:14-16]]). Furthermore, it relates to the idea of "corporate identity" in Christ, where individual believers find their purpose and meaning within the larger, unified community of faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4925 συνοικοδομέω is profound, particularly for ecclesiology.
1. **The Unity of the Church:** The word powerfully articulates the corporate nature of the Church. It is not merely a collection of isolated individuals, but a divinely orchestrated, unified structure. The "togetherness" aspect transcends all human divisions, emphasizing that believers from every background are being integrated into one seamless spiritual edifice.
2. **Divine Habitation:** The ultimate purpose of this corporate building is to become "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([[Ephesians 2:22]]). This signifies that the Church, as the new spiritual temple, is the locus of God's presence and activity in the world. It replaces the physical temple of the Old Covenant as the place where God uniquely dwells among His people.
3. **Christ as the Foundation:** The building metaphor places Christ Jesus firmly as the "cornerstone" and the "foundation" laid by the apostles and prophets. This underscores the Christocentric nature of the Church's identity and existence; it is built *in Him* and *on Him*.
4. **Ongoing Process:** The present passive tense highlights that the building of the Church is an ongoing, dynamic process. Believers are continually being integrated and fitted together by the Holy Spirit, growing into maturity and fulfilling their purpose as God's dwelling.
5. **Implication for Ministry:** While God is the builder, believers are called to contribute to this corporate edification through their gifts and service, ensuring that the structure is built up in love and unity ([[Ephesians 4:16]]).
### Summary
G4925 συνοικοδομέω (synoikodoméō) means "to be built together" and appears uniquely in [[Ephesians 2:22]]. This single occurrence is pivotal, illustrating the corporate nature of the Church as a unified spiritual structure. It emphasizes that believers, regardless of their background, are being actively integrated by the Holy Spirit into a cohesive whole, with Christ as the cornerstone and the apostles and prophets as the foundation. The ultimate purpose of this ongoing divine construction is to become a holy "dwelling place for God by the Spirit." This word powerfully encapsulates the unity, divine purpose, and ongoing development of the Church as God's new temple.
TRV