ἀνοικοδομέω (anoikodomeō)
anoikodomeō
to rebuild
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anoikodomeō means to build again or to rebuild a structure that has previously existed. It combines the prefix an-, indicating repetition, with oikodomeō, which refers to constructing a house or building. This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 15:16.
In this single occurrence, the term is used within a quotation from the prophet Amos. The context describes God’s promise to restore the fallen "hut of David." Here, anoikodomeō carries the weight of restoration and renewal, suggesting that what was broken or destroyed is being brought back to its former state rather than constructed anew from scratch.
While the word literally denotes physical reconstruction, its biblical usage often points toward spiritual or communal restoration. The choice of this specific verb emphasizes continuity with the past, highlighting God’s commitment to repairing and reestablishing what had been lost.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anoikodomeō carries a quiet but powerful promise: God does not leave things in ruins. When Acts 15:16 speaks of rebuilding the fallen tabernacle of David, it is not describing a brand-new project from scratch. It is about restoration. What was broken, what had collapsed under the weight of time or sin, is brought back to its intended purpose. This word reminds us that God values continuity and remembers what He has built before.
For your faith life, this offers deep comfort. You may feel like parts of your spiritual walk have crumbled, or that a season of joy has fallen away. The biblical picture here is one of gentle repair. God returns to restore what was lost, not to discard it. His commitment to renewal is steadfast, turning decay into stability and loss into hope.
Restoration is an act of grace. It shows that our past failures or broken seasons do not define the end of the story. God’s hands are still at work, piecing together what was scattered. This promise invites us to trust in His power to renew, knowing that He faithfully restores what matters most to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will rebuild1×
- I will rebuild1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνοικοδομήσω2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:16
‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up
This verse uses the word to describe God's specific promise to restore the fallen 'tabernacle of David,' emphasizing that restoration involves repairing what already existed rather than creating something entirely new.