The Greek word synoikodoméō, represented by G4925, means to build together. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term is used figuratively to describe being constructed or composed in company with other Christians.
The single use of G4925 occurs in Ephesians 2:22, which states that believers are "builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit". This passage uses the word to illustrate a spiritual construction project where believers are collectively composed into a dwelling place for God. The act of being builded together is a cooperative process, accomplished through the Spirit.
Several related words clarify the meaning of being builded together in its biblical context:
- G2732 katoikētḗrion (a dwelling-place): This word defines the purpose of being built together. Believers are constructed to become a habitation for God Ephesians 2:22. It is also used to describe the fallen Babylon as a habitation of devils Revelation 18:2.
- G4151 pneûma (spirit): The building process is accomplished "through the Spirit" Ephesians 2:22. This term can refer to the Holy Spirit, which is associated with power and love 2 Timothy 1:7 and is part of the baptismal formula Matthew 28:19.
- G5210 hymeîs (you (as subjective of verb)): This pronoun identifies the subjects of the construction. It is "ye" who are being builded together Ephesians 2:22. This term is used to address believers directly, identifying them as the temple of God 2 Corinthians 6:16 and the branches connected to the vine John 15:5.
The theological significance of G4925 is concentrated in its single appearance:
- Corporate Spiritual Structure: The term emphasizes that believers are not individual structures but are composed together into a single spiritual entity. They are collectively "builded together" to form a unified dwelling for God Ephesians 2:22.
- The Church as God's Habitation: The ultimate purpose of this spiritual construction is to become "an habitation of God" Ephesians 2:22. This concept identifies the community of believers as the temple where God chooses to dwell 2 Corinthians 6:16.
- Agency of the Holy Spirit: The process is not a human effort but is accomplished "through the Spirit" Ephesians 2:22. This highlights the divine power that brings believers together and makes them a suitable dwelling for God.
In summary, synoikodoméō G4925 provides a powerful and concise metaphor. Though used only once, it illustrates the corporate nature of the church as a spiritual structure. Believers are actively and collectively being builded together by the Spirit G4151 to serve as the very habitation G2732 of God G2316, a theme central to understanding the identity of the Christian community Ephesians 2:22.
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