συνοικοδομέω (sunoikodomeō)
sunoikodomeō
be built up with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunoikodomeō describes a process of being built up together with others. Derived from roots meaning "to build" and "with," it appears only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 2:22. Here, Paul uses architectural imagery to explain how individual believers are joined into a single spiritual structure.
The word emphasizes unity rather than mere proximity. It suggests that Christians are not just standing next to each other but are integrated components of one whole. The text specifies that this building happens "with" (suno-) the reader, highlighting a shared foundation and purpose. This usage distinguishes it from words that might simply mean joining or gathering; sunoikodomeō implies structural cohesion.
Translators typically render this term as "being built together" or "joined together." The focus remains on the collective nature of the church, where each member contributes to the stability and growth of the entire body. This linguistic choice reinforces the theological concept that the community is an interdependent entity, constructed by God for His dwelling place.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that believers are being built together, it paints a picture of active connection rather than passive attendance. The Greek word sunoikodomeō suggests that each person is a necessary stone in a larger structure. This means your presence and contributions matter deeply to the stability of the community around you.
In Ephesians 2:22, Paul describes this shared building process as a habitation for God in the Spirit. You are not just standing near others; you are integrated into one whole. This unity is not about everyone looking the same, but about being joined to form a place where God dwells.
This imagery offers comfort when you feel isolated or insignificant. You are part of something enduring and intentional. As you grow in faith, you help strengthen the foundation for others, creating a space where divine presence can rest among us all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- are being built together1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνοικοδομεῖσθε1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:22
in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
This verse uniquely uses the term to describe believers being constructed into a single spiritual dwelling place for God, emphasizing structural unity over individual existence.