ἐποικοδομέω
epoikodoméō
G2026 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To build upon something already constructed; to add further construction, structure, or development to an existing foundation (literally or metaphorically). In figurative contexts, to further develop, strengthen, or enhance a community, teaching, or character upon an established basis.
Semantic Range
to construct additional structure on something, to further develop or edify upon an existing foundation (literal or metaphorical), to strengthen or enhance a group, institution, or teaching by building on what is already established
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί (upon, on) and οἰκοδομέω (to build a house, to construct), so literally 'to build upon.' Compound formation reinforces the sense of action performed on an existing structure or foundation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἐποικοδομέω is rare in classical Greek, finding most of its extant occurrences in Hellenistic, Septuagintal, and New Testament literature. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:12; Ephesians 2:20; Colossians 2:7; Jude 20), the word frequently appears in metaphorical contexts, referring to the continued formation or edification of a community, such as the assembly of followers of Jesus, or the individual's moral and spiritual growth, and always with the sense of an already-laid foundation (often referring contextually to a teaching, tradition, or Christ himself). English translations often render the word as 'to build upon' or 'to build up on,' which does not always fully convey the emphasis on development from an established starting point. Related terms: οἰκοδομέω (to build, construct) is the base verb—ἐποικοδομέω intensifies the action with the sense of continuation and addition. The figurative use is consistent with other Hellenistic and rabbinic idioms for instruction or communal growth as 'building'. The word is absent from earlier classical prose but fits common Koine compound formation patterns.
Translation Consistency
The primary sense of ἐποικοδομέω is to add construction or development to an existing foundation, whether literally or figuratively. "Build" is the most natural, widely understood English verb that covers both physical building and the figurative sense of strengthening or developing (edifying) a group, teaching, or character, and it matches the majority of current renderings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and οἰκοδομέω; to build upon, i.e. (figuratively) to rear up:--build thereon (thereupon, on, upon).
Root Family
οἰκοδομ- (epoikodoméō) — to build, to construct
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G3618 | οἰκοδομέω | he/she/it builds up |
| G3620 | οἰκοδομία | |
| G456 | ἀνοικοδομέω | I will rebuild |
| G4925 | συνοικοδομέω | you are being built together |
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2026-01 |
ἐποικοδομεῖ | epoikodomei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
builds | builds upon | builds upon | 3 |
G2026-02 |
ἐποικοδόμησεν | epoikodomesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he has built | he built upon | he built upon | 1 |
G2026-03 |
ἐποικοδομηθέντες | epoikodomethentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
having been built upon | having been built upon | having been built upon | 1 |
G2026-04 |
ἐποικοδομούμενοι | epoikodomoumenoi | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being built up | being built upon | being built up | 1 |
G2026-05 |
ἐποικοδομοῦντες | epoikodomountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
building up | those building upon | building upon | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2026-01 |
1 Corinthians 3:10 | ἐποικοδομεῖ | epoikodomei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
builds | builds upon | builds upon |
G2026-01 |
1 Corinthians 3:10 | ἐποικοδομεῖ | epoikodomei-2 | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
he builds | builds upon | builds upon |
G2026-01 |
1 Corinthians 3:12 | ἐποικοδομεῖ | epoikodomei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
builds | builds upon | builds upon |
G2026-02 |
1 Corinthians 3:14 | ἐποικοδόμησεν | epoikodomesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he has built | he built upon | he built upon |
G2026-03 |
Ephesians 2:20 | ἐποικοδομηθέντες | epoikodomethentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
having been built upon | having been built upon | having been built upon |
G2026-04 |
Colossians 2:7 | ἐποικοδομούμενοι | epoikodomoumenoi | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being built up | being built upon | being built up |
G2026-05 |
Jude 1:20 | ἐποικοδομοῦντες | epoikodomountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
building up | those building upon | building upon |