The term "edifieth" is derived from the verb "edify," which means to build up, strengthen, or improve, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. In the context of the Bible, "edifieth" is often used to describe the process of spiritual growth and the strengthening of the faith community through love, knowledge, and good works.

Biblical Usage:

The concept of edification is central to the teachings of the New Testament, where it is frequently associated with the building up of the church and the individual believer. The Apostle Paul, in particular, emphasizes the importance of edification in his epistles.

1. 1 Corinthians 8:1 : "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies." Here, Paul contrasts knowledge, which can lead to pride, with love, which builds up or edifies the community. The emphasis is on the importance of love in fostering spiritual growth and unity among believers.

2. 1 Corinthians 14:4 : "The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church." In this passage, Paul discusses the use of spiritual gifts, highlighting that while speaking in tongues may benefit the individual, prophecy serves to edify the entire church body. The focus is on the communal aspect of edification, where the spiritual gifts are used for the common good.

3. Ephesians 4:12 : "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." Paul outlines the purpose of spiritual gifts and church leadership as equipping believers for service and edifying the body of Christ. The goal is the maturity and unity of the church, achieved through mutual edification.

4. Romans 14:19 : "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Paul encourages believers to seek actions and attitudes that promote peace and build up one another. This pursuit of edification is seen as a vital aspect of Christian living, fostering harmony and growth within the community.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, edification is not merely an individual pursuit but a communal responsibility. It involves the active participation of believers in encouraging, teaching, and supporting one another in their spiritual journeys. The process of edification is closely linked to the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides believers in their efforts to build up the church.

Edification also implies a transformation that aligns with the teachings of Christ. It involves the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) and the cultivation of virtues such as love, patience, and humility. Through edification, believers are conformed to the image of Christ, contributing to the overall health and effectiveness of the church in its mission to the world.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, edification can take many forms, including teaching, preaching, fellowship, and acts of service. It requires intentionality and a commitment to the well-being of others. Believers are called to use their gifts and talents to serve one another, creating an environment where spiritual growth can flourish.

The concept of edification challenges believers to consider how their actions and words impact others. It calls for a focus on building up rather than tearing down, promoting unity and love within the body of Christ. Through edification, the church is strengthened, and its witness to the world is enhanced.

"Knowledge Puffeth Up, but Love Edifieth. "
... Against Heresies: Book II Chapter XXVI.""Knowledge puffeth up, but love
edifieth.". 1. It is therefore better and more profitable ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi knowledge puffeth up but.htm

1 Cor. viii. 1
... 1 Cor. viii. 1. 1 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: we
know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xx 1 cor viii.htm

What Kind of Spirit is Required for the Study of Holy Scripture.
... shall enter upon his investigations, let him constantly meditate upon that saying
of the apostle's, "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth." [1825] For so ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 41 what kind of spirit.htm

But when the Student of the Holy Scriptures...
... shall enter upon his investigations, let him constantly meditate upon that saying
of the apostle's, "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth." For so he ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 62 but when the.htm

That the Grace of Christ Gives not Only the Knowledge of Our Duty ...
... For when the Apostle says: "Wisdom puffeth up, but charity edifieth" it were truly
infamous were we to believe that we have the grace of Christ for that which ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon cxii greek cxiij continued.htm

The Pelagians Understand that the Law Itself is God's Grace.
... the law without love puffeth up, does not edify, according to the same apostle,
who most openly says, "Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth." [2802] Which ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 11 the pelagians understand that.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 1
... "Yes," saith he, "themselves alone:" wherefore also he adds,. Ver.4. "He that speaketh
in tongue edifieth himself.". And how, if he know not what he saith? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxv 1 cor xiv.htm

He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ...
... "Now, as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that doubteth is damned.htm

The Importance of Knowledge to True Spiritual Life.
... and blaming that knowledge which, without true doctrine, is admitted to influence
life, [329] declares, "Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth." For he who ...
/.../chapter xii the importance of knowledge.htm

'Love Buildeth Up'
... Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2. And if any man think that he knoweth
any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.3. But if any man love ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love buildeth up.htm

Edifieth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Edifieth (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians ... knowledge.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV ASV WBS). 1 ...
/e/edifieth.htm - 6k

Unknown (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY WBS YLT). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV WEY WBS YLT). ...
/u/unknown.htm - 13k

Prophesieth (13 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/p/prophesieth.htm - 10k

Speaketh (367 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/s/speaketh.htm - 33k

Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an
unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. ...
/t/tongue.htm - 42k

Edify (5 Occurrences)

/e/edify.htm - 9k

Edifies (2 Occurrences)

/e/edifies.htm - 6k

Puffeth (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all
have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV ASV WBS YLT). ...
/p/puffeth.htm - 7k

Offered (320 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all
have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV BBE WBS RSV). ...
/o/offered.htm - 37k

Touching (121 Occurrences)
... (ASV). 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that
we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (KJV). ...
/t/touching.htm - 37k

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