ἐποικοδομέωepoikodoméō
in NT, always metaphorically, of the spiritual life regarded as a building
Greek (New Testament) · G2026
Meanings
1. to build upon: 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12, 1 Corinthians 3:14; passive, Ephesians 2:20.
2. to build up: Colossians 2:7, 1 Peter 2:5, Jude 1:20.
Same root
- ἐπίepí · G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
- οἰκοδομέωoikodoméō · G3618to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm
Where it appears
Appears 7 times in the Bible.
- 1 Corinthians 3:10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.
- 1 Corinthians 3:12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.
- 1 Corinthians 3:14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.
- Ephesians 2:20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
- Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
- Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.