Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for unlocking the depth of meaning that often gets lost in translation. The word οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō), found in Matthew 7:24, is particularly significant as it pertains to building, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. In New Testament interpretation, this word carries deep theological implications, especially in parables, where Jesus speaks about constructing solid foundations. Its relevance stretches back to ancient Greek culture, where the act of building represented not only physical construction but also the formation of moral or spiritual principles.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō), pronounced oy-kod-o-MEH-oh.

Etymology: The word οἰκοδομέω is a compound of two roots: οἶκος (oikos), meaning “house” or “dwelling,” and δέμω (demō), meaning “to build.” Thus, it literally means “to build a house” or “to build up.”

Part of Speech: οἰκοδομέω is a verb. In biblical usage, it can describe both physical construction and the act of edifying or building up individuals or communities, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Build Physically: In its most straightforward sense, οἰκοδομέω refers to the act of constructing a building. In Matthew 7:24, Jesus uses this word to describe the wise man who “builds” his house on the rock, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation.

2. To Edify Spiritually: The word is also used metaphorically to indicate the building up of others in faith or character. For instance, Paul often employs οἰκοδομέω in his epistles to refer to strengthening or encouraging the community of believers.

3. To Establish or Construct: Beyond its literal and metaphorical meanings, οἰκοδομέω can signify the act of establishing or putting something together, whether it be a family, an organization, or a set of beliefs.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κτίζω (ktizō) [pronunciation: KTID-zo]: This word also means “to build” or “to create,” but it is typically used in the context of divine creation or the founding of cities, contrasting with οἰκοδομέω, which is more focused on human construction or moral edification.

2. ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodomeō) [pronunciation: ep-oy-kod-o-MEH-oh]: Meaning “to build upon,” this word emphasizes adding to or building on an existing foundation, whereas οἰκοδομέω can be used for any building or construction process.

3. ἀνοικοδομέω (anoikodomeō) [pronunciation: an-oy-kod-o-MEH-oh]: This term, meaning “to rebuild” or “to restore,” is used when referring to the reconstruction of something that has been destroyed, as opposed to οἰκοδομέω, which may refer to building something for the first time.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• οἰκοδομέω is found in various tenses, including the present active (e.g., “I am building”), the aorist (e.g., “I built”), and the future (e.g., “I will build”).

• The word can also appear in the middle voice, emphasizing the subject’s involvement in the action, and in the passive voice, where the subject is being built upon or edified by another.

• It appears in different moods, such as the indicative (stating facts), the imperative (giving commands), and the subjunctive (expressing possibilities or intentions).

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicon entries for οἰκοδομέω across various sources consistently emphasize its dual role in describing both literal construction and metaphorical edification. In classical usage, the word would refer to the building of houses, temples, and city walls. In the New Testament, it often refers to moral or spiritual development, particularly in the epistles of Paul, who speaks of believers being “built up” in Christ. Its usage in the Septuagint and other classical sources reflects similar dual meanings, depending on the context of the passage.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 7:24: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built [οἰκοδομέω] his house on the rock.”

2. 1 Corinthians 3:10: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation, and someone else is building [οἰκοδομέω] upon it.”

3. Ephesians 2:22: “In him you also are being built [οἰκοδομέω] together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The city’s walls were built [οἰκοδομέω] strong to protect against invaders.”

Plato Republic “The guardians must build [οἰκοδομέω] not only structures but the morals of the city.”

Septuagint Nehemiah 4:6 “So we built [οἰκοδομέω] the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height.”

Noteworthy Summary

οἰκοδομέω is a versatile word, essential for understanding both the physical act of construction and the spiritual act of building up individuals and communities in the New Testament. Its widespread use, both in literal and metaphorical contexts, demonstrates its importance in ancient culture, where building was as much about moral formation as it was about physical structures.

Did You Know?

1. οἰκοδομέω is used in both Jewish and Christian literature to describe the act of constructing a relationship with God, not just physical buildings.

2. The root word οἶκος is also the basis for the word “economy” (from oikonomia), linking household management with broader societal structures.

3. The concept of building on a solid foundation (οἰκοδομέω) appears multiple times in Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing the need for a stable spiritual life.