"to build upon, 1 Cor. 3:10, 12, 14; pass. met. to be built upon as parts of a spiritual structure, Eph. 2:20; to build up, carry up a building; met. to build up in spiritual advancement,Col. 2:7; Jude 20*"
Definition and meaning
to build upon, 1 Cor. 3:10, 12, 14; pass. met. to be built upon as parts of a spiritual structure, Eph. 2:20; to build up, carry up a building; met. to build up in spiritual advancement,Col. 2:7; Jude 20*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐποικοδομέω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epoikodomeo (G2026) across the King James Bible.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
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Common questions
Strong's G2026 (epoikodomeo) is a Greek word that means: to build upon, 1 Cor. 3:10, 12, 14; pass. met. to be built upon as parts of a spiritual structure, Eph. 2:20; to build up, carry up a building; met. to build up in spiritual advancement,Col. 2:7; Jude... It appears 7 times in the King James Bible.
The word epoikodomeo (G2026) appears 7 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2026 is epoikodomeo, a Greek word defined as: to build upon, 1 Cor. 3:10, 12, 14; pass. met. to be built upon as parts of a spiritual structure, Eph. 2:20; to build up, carry up a building; met. t. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epoikodomeo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.