Lexical Summary anoikodomeó: To rebuild, to build up again Original Word: ἀνοικοδομέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance build again. From ana and oikodomeo; to rebuild -- build again. see GREEK ana see GREEK oikodomeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and oikodomeó Definition to build again NASB Translation rebuild (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 456: ἀνοικοδομέωἀνοικοδομέω, ἀνοικοδόμω: future ἀνοικοδομήσω; to build again (Vulg.reaedifico): Acts 15:16. ((Thucydides 1, 89, 3); Diodorus 11, 39; Plutarch, Themistius, 19; Cam. 31; Herodian, 8, 2, 12 (5, Bekker edition).) Topical Lexicon Overview of UsageStrong’s Greek 456 appears twice in Acts 15:16, where James cites Amos 9:11 in the Jerusalem Council. The verb describes the divine act of rebuilding what had fallen into ruin, emphasizing not mere repair but complete restoration according to God’s covenant purposes. Old Testament Background Amos 9:11 foretells: “In that day I will restore David’s fallen shelter. I will repair its gaps and restore its ruins; I will rebuild it as in the days of old.” The Septuagint uses ἀνοικοδομέω for “rebuild,” framing the promise of a renewed Davidic realm after exile. This restoration theme courses through the Prophets (Isaiah 58:12; Jeremiah 31:4; Ezekiel 36:10), anticipating a future in which God Himself would raise up the ruins of His people and re-establish their covenant identity. New Testament Significance Acts 15:16 is set in the debate over Gentile inclusion. James declares: “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it.’” (Berean Standard Bible) By invoking ἀνοικοδομέω, James teaches that the prophecy is already being fulfilled through the risen Christ’s work in His church. The “tent” of David is not a physical structure alone but the messianic kingdom extended to all nations (Acts 15:17). Hence the word carries the weight of eschatological fulfillment, pointing to God’s sovereign initiative to gather both Jew and Gentile under the reign of the Son of David. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Faithfulness God’s resolve to “rebuild” testifies that covenant promises are irrevocable. Though judgment scatters, grace gathers and restores (Nehemiah 2:17-18; Isaiah 44:26). 2. Christ-Centered Restoration Jesus, descended from David, embodies the rebuilt “tent.” His resurrection and ascension inaugurate the new dwelling of God with humanity (Acts 2:30-33; Ephesians 2:20-22). 3. Inclusion of the Nations The rebuilt structure is spacious enough for all peoples. Amos 9:12 foretells, “that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord — all the Gentiles who are called by My name”. Acts 15 interprets this as missionary mandate rather than later millennial postponement. 4. Spiritual Edification The verb echoes Paul’s call to “build up” the church (1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:12). What God initiates in Christ He continues through Spirit-empowered ministry. Historical Perspective First-century Judaism awaited national restoration. The Council’s declaration reoriented that expectation: the promised rebuilding was already underway in the multi-ethnic body of Christ. This conviction stabilized early Christian identity amid persecution and clarified that circumcision was not a prerequisite for covenant membership. Ministerial Applications • Church Planting and Renewal Every faithful congregation participates in God’s ongoing rebuilding project, demonstrating the reality of Acts 15:16 in local contexts. • Reconciliation and Restoration Just as God repairs broken structures, believers pursue the healing of relationships, families, and communities (Isaiah 61:4; Galatians 6:1). • Hope for the Fallen The term assures that failure is not final. God delights to “restore the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25), transforming ruins into dwellings of righteousness. Related Scriptures for Study Isaiah 58:12; Jeremiah 31:4; Ezekiel 36:10; Amos 9:11-12; Matthew 16:18; Acts 15:14-18; Romans 15:8-12; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5. Summary ἀνοικοδομέω in Acts 15:16 encapsulates the gospel’s restorative power. In Jesus Christ, God has already begun to rebuild David’s fallen house, bringing salvation to Israel and the nations. The church, standing on apostolic foundations, is both evidence and instrument of this divine reconstruction until the consummation of all things. Forms and Transliterations ανοικοδομείν ανοικοδομείσθαι ανοικοδομείτε ανοικοδομηθή ανοικοδομηθήσεται ανοικοδομήσεις ανοικοδομησω ανοικοδομήσω ἀνοικοδομήσω ανοικοδομήσωμεν ανοικοδομούνται ανωκοδόμησαν ανωκοδόμησε ανωκοδόμησεν anoikodomeso anoikodomēsō anoikodomḗso anoikodomḗsōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 15:16 V-FIA-1SGRK: ἀναστρέψω καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω τὴν σκηνὴν NAS: I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE KJV: and will build again the tabernacle INT: I will return and will build again the tabernacle Acts 15:16 V-FIA-1S |
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