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G456 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνοικοδομέω
Anoikodomeo
Verb
To rebuild / Rebuild again

Definition

The Greek compound verb anoikodomeo (ἀνοικοδομέω) means to rebuild, to build again, combining ana (again, up) and oikodomeo (to build, edify). It appears once in the New Testament, in Acts 15:16, in James's quotation of Amos 9:11 at the Jerusalem Council.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) was the church's first great theological crisis — what to do with Gentile converts and the law. James's climactic speech quotes Amos 9:11–12: "After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. I will rebuild it and restore it." James applies this prophecy to the inclusion of the Gentiles — the restored Davidic tent is the community of all peoples who seek the Lord. Anoikodomeo captures the gospel's restorative work: what sin destroyed (the unity of humanity under God), Christ rebuilds. The church — Jew and Gentile together — is the rebuilt tabernacle of David, the fulfillment of Israel's covenant hope.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 15:16 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it.'
Amos 9:11 'In that day I will restore David's fallen shelter — I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins.'
Acts 15:17 'That the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord.'
Ephesians 2:21-22 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom.

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