συναρμολογέω (sunarmologeō)
sunarmologeō
to join
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunarmologeō describes the act of fitting parts together to form a cohesive whole, much like assembling a structure or joining components in a machine. It carries a sense of precision and intentional design, suggesting that individual pieces are not merely placed near each other but are crafted to interlock perfectly. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Paul’s letters to the Ephesians.
In Ephesians 2:21, it describes how believers grow into a holy temple for the Lord, with every part held together by Christ. Similarly, Ephesians 4:16 uses the term to explain how the body of Christ grows as each joint supplies its proper function, allowing the whole to build itself up in love. The imagery emphasizes unity through distinct roles rather than uniformity.
Its root relates to joining or fitting together, highlighting that Christian community relies on careful alignment. Translators often render it as "joined" or "fitted," capturing the idea of structural integrity. This usage reminds readers that spiritual growth involves active participation in maintaining unity, where each member contributes to the stability and health of the entire body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you look at a complex piece of machinery or a carefully built house, you notice that every bolt and beam has a specific place. The word sunarmologeō captures this idea of precise joining. It is not about random assembly but intentional design. In the life of faith, this reminds us that we are not isolated individuals drifting apart. Instead, we are being fitted together by Christ into something stable and holy.
This image offers comfort when you feel out of place or unsure of your role. Your unique gifts and experiences are not accidents; they are parts crafted to interlock with others. As Ephesians 4:16 describes, the body grows as each part supplies what is needed. This process builds up the community in love, showing that our strength comes from being properly connected to Christ and to one another.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being joined together1×
- being fitted together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συναρμολογούμενον1×
- συναρμολογουμένη1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:21
in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;
This verse highlights how believers are fitted together to form a holy temple, emphasizing that unity is built on Christ as the central anchor.
-
Ephesians 4:16
from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
Here the word explains the mechanism of growth, where every joint supplies its function so the whole body builds itself up in love.