ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodomeō)
epoikodomeō
to build up/upon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epoikodomeō describes the act of building upon an existing foundation or structure. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in a metaphorical sense, applying to the spiritual growth and development of believers within the community of faith. The term combines a prefix meaning "upon" with the root for "building," creating a vivid image of adding new material to what is already established rather than starting from scratch.
Scripture uses this word to illustrate how Christians contribute to the collective life of the church. In passages like 1 Corinthians 3, Paul warns that believers must consider what they build upon the foundation of Christ, knowing their work will be tested. Similarly, in Ephesians 2, the church itself is described as being built up together into a holy temple. This usage emphasizes continuity and integration; individual faith contributes to a larger, unified structure.
Its presence in letters such as Jude and Colossians reinforces the idea that spiritual maturity is not an isolated achievement but a communal process. The word suggests that growth happens through connection and addition, where each person’s contribution supports the whole. This perspective shifts the focus from independent religious activity to interdependent building, highlighting how shared belief strengthens the entire body over time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epoikodomeō paints a clear picture of spiritual growth as an additive process. It is not about starting over when you stumble, but about adding layers of character and trust to the foundation already laid in Christ. This image reminds us that our faith is built upon something solid and secure, allowing us to grow steadily rather than frantically searching for new ground.
Living this out means recognizing that we are part of a larger structure. Just as bricks support one another in a wall, your daily choices and prayers contribute to the strength of the entire community. When you choose patience or kindness, you are laying down material that helps hold others up. This shared building project turns solitary effort into collective resilience.
Even in difficult seasons, this perspective offers comfort. You do not need to construct your entire identity from scratch each morning. Instead, you can rest on the work already done and add your small, faithful contributions. Over time, these additions create a life that stands firm against storms, rooted deeply in grace and connected to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is building upon [it].1×
- he built up,1×
- he builds upon [it].1×
- having been built1×
- builds1×
- building up1×
- being built up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐποικοδομεῖ.2×
- ἐποικοδόμησεν,1×
- ἐποικοδομοῦντες1×
- ἐποικοδομούμενοι1×
- ἐποικοδομηθέντες1×
- ἐποικοδομεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
This verse establishes the critical distinction between laying the initial foundation of Christ and the subsequent work of building upon it, highlighting individual responsibility in spiritual construction.
-
Ephesians 2:20
being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
Here the term describes the corporate nature of the church, showing how believers are integrated together into a holy temple with Christ as the central structural support.
-
Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
This occurrence shifts the focus to personal sanctification, urging believers to actively construct their own spiritual lives upon the basis of holy faith through prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does epoikodomeō mean in simple terms?
How is this word different from general building?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 4 books)
I Corinthians 3 verses
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds…
I Corinthians 3:12But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,
I Corinthians 3:14If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.