Every so often, I come across a word that makes me pause—sometimes because I don’t fully understand it, sometimes because I’ve heard it so often that its meaning has become blurry, and sometimes simply because I’m curious about where it came from and what it truly carries beneath the surface. When that happens, I like to slow down and take a deeper look. Words have histories, layers, and stories of their own, and exploring them often reveals far more than a dictionary definition ever could.
This is why I do word studies. They help me trace a word back to its roots, understand its original context, and see how its meaning has grown or shifted over time. By digging into the etymology, the biblical usage, and the nuances behind a term, I gain a clearer, richer understanding—not just of the word itself, but of the truth it points to.
What follows is one of those deep dives: a closer look at the word EDIFICATION.
Definition
Edification (noun): The act of building up—morally, spiritually, or intellectually. In Christian contexts, it refers specifically to strengthening or encouraging someone in their faith and character.
Modern English uses the word to describe:
Instruction that improves the mind or character
Encouragement that strengthens spiritual maturity
Words or actions that build up rather than tear down
Etymology (Word Origins)
Latin Roots
From Latin aedificare — “to build, construct”
aedes = house, dwelling
facere = to make
So at its core, edification literally means “to build a house.”
Old French / Middle English
Old French: edifier
Middle English: edifien
By the time it enters English, the meaning shifts from physical construction to moral and spiritual construction.
Biblical Greek and Hebrew Background
Greek: οἰκοδομή (oikodomē)**
This is the primary New Testament word translated as edification or building up.
Root meaning:
oikos = house
domē = building
So again, the imagery is architectural—constructing something strong, stable, and useful.
Verb form: οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) Meaning: to build, strengthen, restore, or encourage.
Hebrew: בָּנָה (banah)**
While the Old Testament doesn’t use “edification” as a translation, the Hebrew concept of building (banah) is often used metaphorically for:
Building a family
Building a nation
Building up someone’s courage or faith
This metaphor carries into the New Testament.
Key New Testament Usage
Here are some of the most significant passages where edification or building up appears (summarized, not quoted):
Romans 14:19
Believers are urged to pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification.
1 Corinthians 14
Paul contrasts tongues and prophecy, emphasizing that spiritual gifts should be used for the edification of the church—not self promotion.
Ephesians 4:11–16
Christ gives leaders and gifts to the church for:
Equipping the saints
Building up the body
Maturing believers
Unifying the church
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Believers are commanded to encourage and build one another up.
Theological Significance
A. Edification is a communal calling
It’s not optional. Scripture presents it as a responsibility every believer carries toward others.
B. Edification is constructive, not corrective alone
It’s not merely about pointing out flaws. It’s about:
Strengthening faith
Encouraging perseverance
Cultivating Christlike character
Supporting spiritual growth
C. Edification reflects God’s character
God is a builder:
He builds His church
He builds His people
He builds His kingdom
When we edify others, we participate in His work.
D. Edification is Spirit-empowered
It’s not just positive thinking or moral pep talks. True edification flows from:
Scripture
The Holy Spirit
Love
Truth spoken with grace
Practical Application
Ways believers edify others
Speaking words of encouragement
Sharing Scripture
Praying for and with others
Using spiritual gifts to serve
Offering wisdom or counsel
Demonstrating Christlike love
Teaching or mentoring
Living a consistent, faithful example
What edification is NOT
Flattery
Enabling harmful behavior
Avoiding truth to keep peace
Criticism disguised as “help”
True edification builds, strengthens, and restores.
Summary
Edification is a deeply biblical concept rooted in the imagery of building a house. In Scripture, it refers to the spiritual strengthening of believers and the church. It is both a personal responsibility and a communal practice, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in love and truth. To edify someone is to participate in God’s ongoing work of shaping His people into the likeness of Christ.
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