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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words can significantly deepen one’s comprehension of scripture, as certain words carry rich meanings that are not always immediately apparent in translation. The Greek word οἰκοδομή (oikodomē), which appears in Matthew 24:1, is an important term both in its literal sense of physical construction and its metaphorical use relating to spiritual edification. Its significance lies not only in New Testament theology but also in ancient Greek culture, where the concept of building was often associated with the formation of moral and communal structures.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οἰκοδομή (oikodomē), pronounced oy-ko-do-MAY.

Etymology: οἰκοδομή derives from οἶκος (oikos), meaning “house” or “dwelling,” and δέμω (demō), meaning “to build.” Therefore, οἰκοδομή literally means “a building” or “edification.”

Part of Speech: οἰκοδομή is a noun. In the New Testament, it often refers to both a physical structure and the act of spiritual or communal edification. It belongs to the first declension in Greek grammar.

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Defining Meanings

1. A Building or Structure: οἰκοδομή is frequently used in the literal sense to refer to a building or construction. In Matthew 24:1, for example, the disciples are commenting on the physical structures of the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Edification or Building Up: In a more metaphorical sense, οἰκοδομή can refer to the spiritual growth or strengthening of individuals or communities. Paul frequently uses the term in this way, speaking of the edification of the church (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:12), where it refers to building up the faith and unity of believers.

3. Moral or Communal Construction: In some instances, οἰκοδομή conveys the idea of moral development, similar to the act of laying the foundation for ethical and virtuous living.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κατασκευή (kataskuē) [pronunciation: kat-ask-YOO-ay]: This word also means “building” but tends to emphasize preparation or equipping, often in relation to constructing a structure or preparing for something grand.

2. ἀνοικοδομέω (anoikodomeō) [pronunciation: an-oy-kod-o-MAY-oh]: Meaning “to rebuild,” it specifically refers to the act of reconstructing something that has been destroyed, as seen in references to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

3. ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodomeō) [pronunciation: ep-oy-kod-o-MAY-oh]: This word means “to build upon,” often referring to adding to or further developing an existing structure or foundation.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• οἰκοδομή is a feminine noun. It appears in various cases, including nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative, to indicate the subject, possession, indirect object, or direct object of a sentence, respectively.

• It can be singular or plural, depending on the context.

Declension:

• οἰκοδομή follows the first declension pattern, which is typical for feminine nouns ending in -η.

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

In examining οἰκοδομή across various lexicons, we see a consistent emphasis on its dual usage. While classical Greek focused heavily on the architectural aspect of the word, New Testament usage shifted the focus to spiritual edification. The term became central to early Christian teaching, where building up the church—both physically in the sense of meeting places and metaphorically in terms of community—was vital. In theological contexts, οἰκοδομή highlights the process of growth, nurturing, and development within the faith community.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 24:1: “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings [οἰκοδομή] of the temple.”

2. 1 Corinthians 14:12: “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up [οἰκοδομή] the church.”

3. Romans 15:2: “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up [οἰκοδομή].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The grand temple’s construction [οἰκοδομή] was overseen by master builders.”

Plato Republic “The construction [οἰκοδομή] of justice within the city is the task of the rulers.”

Septuagint Ezra 5:2 “So they built [οἰκοδομή] the house of God in Jerusalem.”

Noteworthy Summary

οἰκοδομή plays a key role in both classical and biblical literature. It highlights not only physical construction but also the process of moral and spiritual growth. The term resonates deeply with Christian teachings, as it reflects the ongoing development of the church as both a physical and spiritual entity.

Did You Know?

1. The root word οἶκος for οἰκοδομή is the same word from which we get “economy” (oikonomia), linking household management with broader community-building.

2. οἰκοδομή is used more frequently in Paul’s epistles to describe the spiritual growth of believers than to refer to physical buildings.

3. In early Christianity, οἰκοδομή became a metaphor for discipleship, emphasizing the need to “build up” one another in faith and love.