Edification, Edify
This word is found in varying forms within Scripture.
First, let’s consider it as a noun. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words defines the term “edification” as “OIKODOME denotes (a)
the act of building (oikos, a home, and demo, to build); this is used
only figuratively in the New Testament., in the sense of edification,
the promotion of spiritual growth, Romans 14:19; 15:2; 1 Corinthians
14:3,5,12,26, e.g.; (b) a building, edifice, whether material, Matthew
24:1, or figurative, of the future body of the believer, 2 Corinthians
5:1, or of a local church, 1 Corinthians 3:9, or the whole Church,
“the body of Christ,” Ephesians 2:21.”
Individuals in the Lord’s church need to be constantly built up. Just
like a house needs constant repairs to remain strong, so does the Lord’s
body. The repairs will be different in different situations. With our
houses, there is no need to mow the yard in the middle of winter. A
leaky roof may be a more important need in a home than vacuuming the
carpet. A productive Christian and church needs to be flexible and quick
to fix the varying needs. New converts may need extra attention and
teaching as they begin their spiritual journey. Widows and children from
broken homes may need more time and comfort in their grief and
difficulties. Visitors to the worship and Bible study need a Christian’s
kindness and welcoming smile more than the steady, faithful member. Even
the teaching and preaching in a church may vary based on the needs of
the congregation. Notice some of the verses that can help us be wiser in
building one another up in the faith.
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Romans 14:19, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
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Romans 15:2, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.”
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1 Corinthians 14:26, “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”
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1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building (OIKODOME)."
Notice Vine’s as we consider the verb form of the
word under consideration. “OIKODOMEO, lit, to build a house, (a) usually
signifies to build, whether literally, or figuratively; the present
participle, lit, ‘the (ones) building,’ is used as a noun, “ the
builders,” in Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter
2:7; (b) is used metaphorically, in the sense of edifying, promoting the
spiritual growth and development of character of believers, by teaching
or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of
patient labor. It is said (1) of the effect of this upon local churches,
Acts 9:31; 1 Corinthians 14:4; (2) of the individual action of believers
towards each other, 1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; (3)
of an individual in regard to himself, 1 Corinthians 14:4.”
What a wonderful verb to put into action! It helps us grow! It is a
character-builder! It is the product of Christians setting a good
example and teaching the truth! It is like viewing a completely
remodeled house after a long period of work and labor! It causes the
local church to grow! It means an increased cooperation between
believers! It means individual growth! Edify!