οἰκοδομή (oikodomē)
oikodomē
building
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun oikodomē literally means a building, but in the New Testament it almost always refers to the act or result of "building up." It describes the process of strengthening and encouraging others, particularly within the Christian community. Rather than physical construction, it points to spiritual growth, wisdom, and holiness being developed in believers.
This word appears frequently in Paul’s letters, especially in First Corinthians and Ephesians, where he urges Christians to use their gifts for edification rather than personal display (1 Corinthians 14:26). It can also describe the church itself as a spiritual structure, with Christ as the cornerstone that holds everything together (Ephesians 2:21). The focus is always on mutual support and collective growth.
Its root combines words for "house" and "building," emphasizing community. Translators often render it as "edifying" or "building up," capturing its active, constructive nature. It reminds readers that faith grows not in isolation but through shared life and encouragement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikodomē invites us to see our faith as a shared project rather than a solitary journey. While it literally means building, the New Testament uses it to describe how we strengthen one another through encouragement and wise speech. It reminds us that spiritual growth happens in community, where every interaction can either support or undermine the whole.
When we choose words that give grace, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, we participate in a divine construction project. This is not about physical structures but about creating an environment where others can stand firm in their beliefs. It is a call to be careful with our tongues and generous with our support.
Ultimately, this concept points to the church as a living temple, growing together in love. By focusing on edification, we help build a community that reflects God’s character. This shared effort brings stability and hope, reminding us that we are never building alone but are part of something much larger than ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- edification5×
- edification.2×
- building2×
- [the] building up2×
- for edification1×
- buildings?1×
- buildings!1×
- buildings1×
- building up1×
- building [you] up1×
- a building1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκοδομὴν10×
- οἰκοδομῆς.1×
- οἰκοδομῆς1×
- οἰκοδομήν.1×
- οἰκοδομή1×
- οἰκοδομὴ1×
- οἰκοδομάς;1×
- οἰκοδομὰς1×
- οἰκοδομαί.¶1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
This verse sets the practical standard for gathering, ensuring every contribution serves to strengthen the entire group rather than individual pride.
-
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
It provides a specific filter for speech, requiring that our words be useful and gracious to those who hear them.
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Romans 15:2
Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.
This passage shifts the focus from self-pleasing to actively seeking the good of others through constructive actions.