Building Together: συνοικοδομέω (Strong’s G4925: sunoikodomeō) Forms God’s Temple

Strong’s G4925: A compound verb combining σύν (with), οἶκος (house), and δομέω (to build), συνοικοδομέω describes the collective building or construction of God’s spiritual house. In Ephesians, it portrays believers being built together into a holy temple for God’s dwelling.

U – Unveiling the Word

συνοικοδομέω (sunoikodomeō) represents the collective process of building together, particularly in a spiritual context. This compound word combines the concepts of togetherness, household, and construction to express the unified building of God’s spiritual dwelling place. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Ephesians, describing how believers are being built together into God’s holy temple. Early church writers expanded this imagery to describe the ongoing construction of the church as God’s dwelling place. Today, it continues to illustrate how each believer contributes to building up the church as God’s spiritual house.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συνοικοδομέω, sunoikodomeō, /sün-oy-kod-om-eh’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-oy-koh-doh-MEH-oh (where ‘eh’ sounds like in “bed”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• οἶκος (oikos) – noun meaning “house”
• δομέω (domeō) – verb meaning “to build”
• The combination emphasizes collective building of a dwelling

D – Defining Meanings

• To build together
• To construct collectively
• To be built up together as part of a structure

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds the concept of togetherness, οἶκος provides the context of a house/dwelling, and δομέω contributes the action of building. Together, they create a word expressing collective spiritual construction.

Translation Options:

• “to build together” – emphasizes collective action
• “to be constructed together” – highlights the passive process
• “to be joined in building” – stresses unity in construction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) /oy-kod-om-eh’-ō/ – to build
  See G3618
• ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodomeō) /ep-oy-kod-om-eh’-ō/ – to build upon
  See G2026
• συνοικέω (sunoikeō) /sün-oy-keh’-ō/ – to dwell together
  See G4924

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 2nd
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word appears showing ongoing passive construction:

• συνοικοδομεῖσθε (you are being built together)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in spiritual construction. Thayer’s notes its connection to corporate unity. LSJ provides examples from architectural contexts. Vine’s connects it to church growth. Strong’s highlights the collaborative nature implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its metaphorical usage in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Ephesians 2:22: “in whom you also are being built together [συνοικοδομέω] into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συνοικοδομέω beautifully captures the collective nature of spiritual growth in the Messiah’s body. This word proclaims the good news that God is actively building His church, with each believer being fitly joined together. It reminds us that we are not isolated stones but part of His grand spiritual temple.

D – Did You Know?

1. συνοικοδομέω appears only once in the New Testament
2. The word combines three distinct Greek roots
3. It became significant in early church architecture symbolism

Strong’s G4925: A compound verb combining σύν (with), οἶκος (house), and δομέω (to build), συνοικοδομέω describes the collective building or construction of God’s spiritual house. In Ephesians, it portrays believers being built together into a holy temple for God’s dwelling.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: building, temple, church, unity, spiritual growth, construction, Ephesians, compound words, Greek verbs, divine dwelling, corporate worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​