Lexical Summary sunarmologeó: To fit together, to join closely, to unite Original Word: συναρμολογέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance joined together. From sun and a derivative of a compound of harmos and lego (in its original sense of laying); to render close-jointed together, i.e. Organize compactly -- be fitly framed (joined) together. see GREEK sun see GREEK harmos see GREEK lego HELPS Word-studies 4883 synarmologéō (from 4862 /sýn, "joined closely with"; harmós, "a joint"; and 719 /harmós, "reason") – properly, interconnected (joined); fit together to efficiently and effectively function. 4883 /synarmologéō ("hinged together") occurs twice in the NT (Eph 2:21, 4:16) – both times of God "fitly framing believers (OT, NT) into a harmonious, synergistic whole." That is, each individual being functioning as a part of the one people of God (His 2992 /laós, Heb ʽam). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and a comp. of harmos and legó (in the sense of to pick up) Definition to fit together NASB Translation fitted (1), fitted together (1), together* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4883: συναρμολογέωσυναρμολογέω, συναρμολόγω: present passive participle συναρμολογουμενος; (ἁρμολογος binding, joining; from ἁρμός a joint, and λέγω); to join closely together; to frame together: οἰκοδομή, the parts of a building, Ephesians 2:21; (σῶμα, the members of the body, Ephesians 4:16. (Ecclesiastical writers; classic writers use συναρμόσσειν and συναρμόζειν.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the TermStrong’s Greek 4883 expresses the idea of skillfully fitting distinct parts into an organic and stable whole. In New Testament usage the word pictures stones interlocked in a temple and body parts knit into a living organism. Both images underscore how God Himself fashions individual believers into an inseparable, purpose-filled community in Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Ephesians 2:21 – “In Him the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” These two appearances, both in Ephesians, unveil complementary dimensions of the church: God’s dwelling (the temple) and Christ’s body (the living organism). Temple Imagery and Redemptive History Paul’s temple metaphor draws from the Old Testament pattern where the tabernacle and later Solomon’s temple were constructed exactly according to divine design (Exodus 26; 1 Kings 6). The careful “fitting together” of boards, clasps, and stones provided an earthly sanctuary. Now, through Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike are “fitted together” as the eternal dwelling place of God by the Spirit. This fulfills prophetic expectations that all nations would worship the LORD together (Isaiah 2:2–3; Zechariah 2:11). Body Imagery and Congregational Life When Paul speaks of the “whole body… fitted and held together,” the focus shifts from structure to function. Each believer supplies grace to the rest, much as ligaments enable every limb to operate harmoniously. Spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Corinthians 12) are the means by which Christ, the Head, joins and energizes His people. Growth is therefore both numerical and qualitative, proceeding “in love” as members depend upon and serve each other. Theological Significance • Christ-centered cohesion: Jesus is simultaneously the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20) and the head (Ephesians 4:15). Unity is never merely organizational; it is rooted in union with Him. Historical Reception Early church writers latched onto these texts to defend catholic (universal) unity against schism. Irenaeus argued that just as stones cannot choose their own placement, believers must accept the apostolic framework established by Christ. Medieval commentators applied the image to monastic communities, stressing discipline and mutual support. Reformers such as John Calvin invoked Ephesians 4:16 to ground the priesthood of all believers, insisting every member’s contribution is vital to the church’s edification. Ministry Implications 1. Church Planting: Leaders should view new congregations as Spirit-assembled temples, aligning every element with the foundation of apostolic doctrine. Practical Exhortation Believers are urged to surrender to Christ’s architectonic work. Whether a newly quarried stone or a long-standing pillar, each person finds significance only in connectedness to the whole. As every joint does its part, the Lord’s temple rises and His body flourishes, displaying His manifold wisdom “to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10). Forms and Transliterations συναρμολογουμενη συναρμολογουμένη συναρμολογουμενον συναρμολογούμενον sunarmologoumene sunarmologoumenē sunarmologoumenon synarmologoumene synarmologoumenē synarmologouméne synarmologouménē synarmologoumenon synarmologoúmenonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 2:21 V-PPM/P-NFSGRK: πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ συναρμολογουμένη αὔξει εἰς NAS: building, being fitted together, is growing KJV: the building fitly framed together groweth INT: the whole building fitted together increases to Ephesians 4:16 V-PPM/P-NNS Strong's Greek 4883 |
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