οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō)
oikodomeō
to build
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb oikodomeō literally means to build a house or erect a structure, derived from words for "house" and "builder." In the Gospels, it appears in concrete scenes where Jesus discusses constructing towers or houses on foundations (Luke 14:28; Matthew 7:24). It also describes the physical act of rebuilding the temple, a charge leveled against Jesus by bystanders who misunderstood his words about destroying and raising it up (Mark 14:58; John 2:20).
Paul transforms this architectural language into a spiritual metaphor for "building up" or edifying the community. He uses it to describe how believers strengthen one another in faith, wisdom, and grace (1 Corinthians 14:4; Acts 20:32). This usage shifts the focus from stone and mortar to the moral and spiritual growth of individuals within the church body, encouraging actions that promote collective stability rather than personal glory.
A notable nuance is its occasional negative use. In 1 Corinthians 8:10, Paul warns that while knowledge may "build up" or embolden a person, it can also cause a weaker brother to stumble if not tempered by love. This highlights the word's dual potential: it can construct a resilient faith community or create a proud individualism that undermines unity, depending on the motive behind the building.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikodomeō begins with simple construction—digging foundations, laying stones, and raising walls. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this familiar image to describe how we live our lives. He points out that hearing His words is not enough; we must act on them. Just as a house needs a deep foundation on rock to survive a storm, our faith requires steady practice to remain stable when life becomes difficult.
Later, the Apostle Paul expands this idea beyond physical buildings. He uses the same word to describe how believers strengthen one another. It is no longer about mortar and bricks, but about encouragement, wisdom, and love within a community. This shift reminds us that our spiritual growth is rarely a solitary project. We are called to be builders for each other, creating an environment where faith can thrive.
There is also a warning attached to this building work. Paul notes that knowledge or freedom can sometimes tear down others if we do not handle it with care. True building up requires humility. It asks us to consider how our actions affect those who are weaker or less certain. When we build with love, we create spaces where everyone feels safe to grow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- built5×
- building,4×
- you build2×
- to build2×
- will you build1×
- will build1×
- was built1×
- to rebuild it1×
- to have been built1×
- to build [it]1×
- they were building.1×
- is edified.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ᾠκοδόμησεν5×
- οἰκοδομοῦντες,4×
- οἰκοδομεῖτε4×
- οἰκοδομῆσαι3×
- οἰκοδομήσω2×
- οἰκοδομεῖ.2×
- ᾠκοδόμουν.1×
- ᾠκοδόμητο1×
- οἰκοδόμησεν1×
- οἰκοδομῶν,1×
- οἰκοδομῶν1×
- οἰκοδομῶ,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
This verse establishes the core metaphor that hearing Jesus' teachings must be paired with action to create a stable life.
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Luke 6:48
He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.
Here the word describes the deliberate, difficult work of digging deep to ensure spiritual resilience against future trials.
-
Matthew 16:18
I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Jesus uses this term to describe His active role in establishing and sustaining the church community despite opposition.
-
Luke 14:28
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
This occurrence highlights the necessity of careful planning and commitment before undertaking any spiritual or practical task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oikodomeō mean in the Bible?
How is this word different from other words for 'build'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (38 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 8 verses
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on…
Matthew 7:26Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Matthew 16:18I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail…
Matthew 21:33“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it,…
Matthew 21:42Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…
Matthew 23:29“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the…
Matthew 26:61and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’”
Matthew 27:40and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down…