Lexical Summary oikodomia: Building, edification, construction Original Word: οἰκοδομή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance edifying. From the same as oikodome; confirmation -- edifying. see GREEK oikodome Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3620: οἰκοδομίαοἰκοδομία, ὀικοδομιας, ἡ (οἰκοδομέω) (the act of) buliding, erection (Thucydides, Plato, Polybius, Plutarch, Lucian, etc.; but never in the Sept.); metaphorically, οἰκοδομίαν Θεοῦ τήν ἐν πίστει, the increase which God desires in faith (see οἰκοδομή), 1 Timothy 1:4 Rec.bez elz; but see οἰκονομία. Not infrequent οἰκονομία and οἰκοδομία are confounded in the manuscripts; see Grimm on 4 Maccabees, p. 365, cf. Hilgenfeld, the Epistle of Barnabas, p. 28; (D'Orville, Chariton 8, 1, p. 599). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Οἰκοδομή (Strong’s Greek 3620) denotes a “building” or the abstract idea of “edification.” While the exact form is not recorded in extant New Testament manuscripts, Scripture frequently employs its cognate family to express the themes of construction, strengthening, and spiritual growth within the covenant community. Old Testament Background Hebrew thought ties “building” (בָּנָה) to both physical structures (Genesis 11:5) and dynastic establishment (2 Samuel 7:13). When the Septuagint renders these ideas, the οἰκο– word-group conveys God’s creative and covenantal initiative—laying the foundation for later apostolic usage in describing the Church as His living house. Greco-Roman and Second-Temple Context In the wider Hellenistic world a substantial οἰκοδομή symbolized civic pride, security, and divine favor. First-century audiences instinctively linked solid construction with permanence and social cohesion. Early Christians reappropriated this imagery to depict the messianic assembly as God’s enduring edifice, contrasting it with the transient glory of pagan temples. Theology of Edification 1. Christ the Cornerstone The risen Lord guarantees the stability and alignment of every believer, making personal gifts and ministries effective only when oriented toward Him. 2. The People of God as a Growing Structure Edification is corporate and organic; each stone is meaningful only in relation to the whole. 3. Word-Centered Construction Scripture, believed and obeyed, is the primary instrument by which God enlarges and strengthens His household. Spiritual Gifts and Edification Paul consistently measures gifting by its capacity to promote οἰκοδομή. Tongues, teaching, administration, and mercy must converge on one aim—constructive growth in faith, hope, and love. Pastoral Authority for Building, not Demolition • 2 Corinthians 13:10: “the authority the Lord has given me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” God-given oversight is restorative, never abusive. Discipline, warning, and correction serve the larger architecture of holiness. Ethical Dimensions of Edification 1. Mutual Responsibility Believers curb personal liberty when necessary to protect the conscience of weaker members, thereby reinforcing, not eroding, the spiritual structure. 2. Speech as Construction Material Conversation should be measured like stones laid on a wall—each one tested for soundness. Missional and Discipleship Implications Edification extends outward. Evangelism invites new “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5) into the house; discipleship shapes them for load-bearing service. A church devoted to building within inevitably exerts stabilizing influence without, providing a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14) whose very visibility is part of its structure. Eschatological Perspective The earthly οἰκοδομή anticipates a consummate reality: Until that unveiling, every act of true edification participates in the construction of an imperishable dwelling. Key Passages for Study Acts 20:32; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:3, 26; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 2:20-22; Ephesians 4:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Peter 2:5. Summary Οἰκοδομή gathers the Bible’s building imagery into a comprehensive vision: God in Christ lays the foundation, fits believers together by the Spirit, and calls each member to labor with words, deeds, and gifts that strengthen the whole. Every congregation that prizes peace, truth, and loving service becomes a visible testimony that “the builder and architect is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Forms and Transliterations οικοδόμοι οικοδόμοις οικοδόμος οικοδόμωνLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance οἰκοδομεῖ — 4 Occ.οἰκοδομεῖν — 1 Occ. οἰκοδομεῖσθε — 1 Occ. οἰκοδομεῖται — 1 Occ. οἰκοδομεῖτε — 4 Occ. οἰκοδομῶ — 2 Occ. οἰκοδομῶν — 3 Occ. οἰκοδομουμένη — 1 Occ. οἰκοδομοῦντες — 4 Occ. οἰκοδομοῦντι — 1 Occ. οἰκοδομὰς — 2 Occ. οἰκοδομή — 2 Occ. οἰκοδομήν — 11 Occ. οἰκοδομῆς — 2 Occ. οἰκονομεῖν — 1 Occ. οἰκονομία — 1 Occ. οἰκονομίαν — 6 Occ. οἰκονομίας — 2 Occ. οἰκονόμοι — 1 Occ. οἰκονόμοις — 1 Occ. |
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