The term "edifies" is derived from the Greek word "oikodomeo," which means to build up or strengthen. In the context of the Bible, edification refers to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual strengthening of individuals and the church community. The concept of edification is central to Christian life and practice, emphasizing the importance of growth and maturity in faith.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 14:26 : "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church." This verse highlights the purpose of spiritual gifts and activities within the church, which is to edify or build up the body of Christ. The focus is on communal growth and encouragement.

2. Ephesians 4:11-12 : "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, the roles within the church are described as being given for the purpose of edification, ensuring that believers are equipped for service and that the church is strengthened.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 : "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This exhortation to the Thessalonian church underscores the importance of mutual edification among believers, fostering a supportive and uplifting community.

4. Romans 14:19 : "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Paul encourages the Roman Christians to seek actions and attitudes that promote peace and build up one another, emphasizing the communal aspect of edification.

Theological Significance:

Edification is a key aspect of Christian discipleship and community life. It involves the nurturing of faith through teaching, encouragement, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. The New Testament frequently addresses the need for believers to edify one another, reflecting the communal nature of the Christian faith. This process of building up is not only for individual growth but also for the strengthening of the entire church body.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, edification can take many forms, including teaching, preaching, fellowship, and acts of service. Believers are called to use their gifts and talents to contribute to the spiritual growth of others. This can involve sharing wisdom, offering encouragement, and providing support in times of need. The goal is to foster an environment where faith can flourish and where the church can effectively fulfill its mission in the world.

Conclusion:

While the Bible does not provide a single definition of edification, the concept is woven throughout the New Testament as an essential element of Christian life. It is both a personal and communal responsibility, aimed at fostering spiritual maturity and unity within the body of Christ.3618. oikodomeo -- to build a house
... Word Origin from oikodomos Definition to build a house NASB Word Usage build (13),
builders (4), building (2), built (10), edified (1), edifies (3), edify (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3618.htm - 9k

On Hearing These Statements, the Multitudes Assembled were Greatly ...
... to say to Him, "I will go and bury my father," He answered, "Let the dead bury their
dead." [2038] Behold, then, how my Lord Jesus Christ edifies His disciples ...
/.../48 on hearing these statements.htm

John Chapter xiv. 10-14.
... words, then, are works? Clearly so. For surely he that edifies a neighbor
by what he says, works a good work. But what mean the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxi john chapter xiv.htm

The Pelagians Contend that the Grace, which is Neither the Law nor ...
... In this work you will see how he so appeals to the free will of those whom he edifies
in his treatise, as to show them, that whatever they have to fulfil in ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 26 the pelagians contend that.htm

'Love Buildeth Up'
... Paul's dictum has been only too well confirmed by experience. 'Love builds up,'
or 'edifies.' Probably the main direction in which that building up is ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love buildeth up.htm

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... give grace to them that hear.". That is to say, What edifies thy neighbor,
that only speak, not a word more. For to this end God ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

Ephesians iv. 7-Apr
... Christ." [291]. Perceive ye the dignity of the office? Each one edifies,
each one perfects, each one ministers. Ver.13. "Till we ...
/.../homily xi ephesians iv 7-apr.htm

Homiletical.
... Fear edifies the simple. I wound and I heal' is at once perceived to be salutary.
The blow strikes terror; the cure attracts to love. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... Whatsoever thou hearest that assuredly edifies, receive; and whatever builds up
strange doctrines, overthrow and utterly demolish. For wrangling cannot edify. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm

Concerning Worship.
... of God's Spirit are felt to arise; from which, as words of declaration, prayers,
or praises arise, the acceptable worship is known, which edifies the church ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

Letter clxxxviii. (AD 416. )
... which without charity "puffeth up," [2865] but by our being inspired with that
"love which is the fulfilling of the law," [2866] and which so edifies our heart ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxxviii a d 416.htm

Edifies (2 Occurrences)
...Edifies (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 8:1 But concerning things sacrificed to idols,
we know, (for we all have knowledge: knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. ...
/e/edifies.htm - 6k

Prophesies (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in another language
edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. ...
/p/prophesies.htm - 11k

Speaks (109 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in another language
edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. ...
/s/speaks.htm - 34k

Assembly (371 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY YLT). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself,
but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. (WEB DBY YLT). ...
/a/assembly.htm - 38k

Edifieth (2 Occurrences)

/e/edifieth.htm - 6k

Edified (3 Occurrences)

/e/edified.htm - 7k

Language (112 Occurrences)

/l/language.htm - 101k

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