In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

EPHESIANS 2:21KJV
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Ephesians 2:21 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:21 mean?

Ephesians 2:21 describes how all believers are being joined together like parts of a building, growing into a holy temple that belongs to the Lord. The verse uses the image of a carefully constructed building to show that the community of Christians is becoming a sacred place where God is present.

Paul, the author, is writing to Gentile and Jewish Christians in Ephesus, explaining how both groups are now united in Christ. The verse comes in a section where Paul compares the church to a building, with Jesus as the cornerstone. The focus is on the unity and growth of the church as something God is actively shaping into a holy place.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:21

  • οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, "building"): This word refers to a structure or building, but here it is used metaphorically for the community of believers. The emphasis is on the church as something being constructed together, not just individual Christians.
  • συναρμολογέω (sunarmologeō, "fitly framed together"): This Greek word means to be joined or fitted together in a precise way. It highlights the careful and intentional way God brings people together in the church, like stones in a building.
  • ναός (naos, "temple"): This word specifically refers to the inner sanctuary of a temple, the most sacred part. Paul is saying the church is not just any building, but a holy place where God dwells.

Why Ephesians 2:21 matters

  • Ephesians 2:21 clarifies that the church is not a physical building but a spiritual community made up of people joined together by God.
  • The verse emphasizes unity among believers, showing that all are equally important parts of God's holy temple, regardless of background.
  • This image connects to the wider passage, where Paul is explaining how Gentiles and Jews are now one in Christ, breaking down old barriers and forming a new, unified people.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4883 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

“building” Greek G3619 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

“groweth” Greek G837 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

“temple” Greek G3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
  • Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
  • Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.