οἰκοδόμος (oikodomos)
oikodomos
builder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare Greek noun oikodomos simply means a builder or architect. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 17:29, where Paul addresses the philosophers in Athens. He argues that since humans are God’s offspring, they should not imagine the divine is like gold, silver, or stone shaped by human artistry.
In this context, the word highlights the contrast between the Creator and the created. The Athenians were accustomed to statues crafted by skilled artisans, but Paul uses this term to point out the absurdity of limiting the infinite God to the work of a finite builder. It serves as a sharp reminder that the Maker is distinct from His handiwork.
Because it is so uncommon, the word does not carry complex theological layers in Scripture. Its single occurrence focuses attention on the nature of God Himself rather than on construction techniques. The text uses this everyday profession to dismantle idolatry, showing that the Divine cannot be contained by human design.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikodomos refers to a builder or architect, appearing only once in the New Testament in Acts 17:29. Paul uses it to contrast human craftsmanship with divine creation. He argues that since we are God’s offspring, we should not imagine the Creator is like gold, silver, or stone shaped by human hands. This simple term dismantles idolatry by reminding us that the Maker is distinct from His handiwork.
This truth offers freedom from trying to contain God within our own designs. We do not need to craft elaborate images or systems to reach Him. Instead, we can trust in the infinite nature of the One who made us. Our faith rests on the Creator, not on the limited work of human artisans.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- builders,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκοδόμων,1×