Ephesians 2:21 In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

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◄ Ephesians 2:21 ►

New International Version
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

New Living Translation
We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.

English Standard Version
in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible
In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Berean Literal Bible
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is increasing into a holy temple in the Lord,

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

New King James Version
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

New American Standard Bible
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

NASB 1995
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,

NASB 1977
in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord;

Legacy Standard Bible
in whom the whole building, being joined together, is growing into a holy sanctuary in the Lord,

Amplified Bible
in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord].

Christian Standard Bible
In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord.

American Standard Version
in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;

Contemporary English Version
Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord.

English Revised Version
in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In him all the parts of the building fit together and grow into a holy temple in the Lord.

Good News Translation
He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord.

International Standard Version
In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord.

Majority Standard Bible
In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

NET Bible
In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

New Heart English Bible
in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

Webster's Bible Translation
In whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth to a holy temple in the Lord:

Weymouth New Testament
in union with whom the whole fabric, fitted and closely joined together, is growing so as to form a holy sanctuary in the Lord;

World English Bible
in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
in whom all the building fitly framed together increases to a holy temple in the LORD,

Berean Literal Bible
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is increasing into a holy temple in the Lord,

Young's Literal Translation
in whom all the building fitly framed together doth increase to an holy sanctuary in the Lord,

Smith's Literal Translation
In whom all the building fitted together increases into a holy temple in the Lord:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord.

New American Bible
Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;

New Revised Standard Version
In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And through him the whole building is fashioned and grows into a holy temple through the help of the LORD:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the whole building is constructed by him and grows into a holy temple in THE LORD JEHOVAH,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
in whom the whole building, compactly fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

Godbey New Testament
in whom the entire edifice, being assimilated, increases into a holy temple in the Lord;

Haweis New Testament
in whom the whole building exactly cemented together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord:

Mace New Testament
on which the whole structure rises with symmetry into a temple, consecrated by the Lord:

Weymouth New Testament
in union with whom the whole fabric, fitted and closely joined together, is growing so as to form a holy sanctuary in the Lord;

Worrell New Testament
in Whom all the building, fitly framed together, is growing up into a holy temple in the Lord;

Worsley New Testament
in whom the whole building fitly joined together increaseth to an holy temple in the Lord:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Temple in the Lord
…20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. / From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

Colossians 2:19
He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow.

Revelation 21:2-3
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

Hebrews 3:6
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

John 2:19-21
Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body.

1 Timothy 3:15
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Kings 6:7
The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.

Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

Zechariah 6:12-13
And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. / Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’

Psalm 118:22
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Treasury of Scripture

In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to an holy temple in the Lord:

all.

Ephesians 4:13-16
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: …

Ezekiel 40:1-42:20
In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither…

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

fitly.

Exodus 26:1-37
Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them…

1 Kings 6:7
And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

an.

Psalm 93:5
Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

Ezekiel 42:12
And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.

1 Corinthians 3:17
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

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Building Closely Fabric Fitly Fitted Form Framed Groweth Growing Grows Holy House Increases Joined Rightly Rises Sanctuary Several Structure Temple Together Union Whole

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Building Closely Fabric Fitly Fitted Form Framed Groweth Growing Grows Holy House Increases Joined Rightly Rises Sanctuary Several Structure Temple Together Union Whole

Ephesians 2

1. By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,
10. he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ,
19. should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God.

Berean Study Bible

In Him
This phrase emphasizes the centrality of Christ in the life of believers. The Greek phrase "ἐν ᾧ" (en hō) signifies a deep, abiding union with Christ. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding that all spiritual blessings and growth are rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Theologically, it underscores the belief that apart from Christ, there is no true spiritual life or growth.

the whole building
The Greek word for "building" is "οἰκοδομή" (oikodomē), which can refer to both the act of building and the structure itself. Archaeologically, this metaphor would resonate with the Ephesians, who were familiar with grand structures like the Temple of Artemis. Scripturally, this imagery is used to describe the collective body of believers, the Church, as a unified structure being constructed by God.

is fitted together
The phrase "συναρμολογουμένη" (synarmologoumenē) suggests a precise and intentional joining of parts. This reflects the idea that each believer has a specific place and purpose within the Church. Historically, this would remind the Ephesians of the skilled craftsmanship required in constructing their famous temples, emphasizing that God is the master builder of His spiritual temple.

and grows
The Greek word "αὔξει" (auxei) indicates organic growth, suggesting that the Church is not a static structure but a living organism. This growth is both numerical and spiritual, reflecting the dynamic nature of the early Christian communities. Theologically, it implies that the Church, under Christ's headship, is continually expanding and maturing.

into a holy temple
The term "ναὸν ἅγιον" (naon hagion) refers to a sacred space set apart for God's presence. In the Jewish tradition, the temple was the dwelling place of God on earth. Paul redefines this concept, teaching that the Church, composed of believers, is now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. This would have been a radical shift for both Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of the Christian community.

in the Lord
The phrase "ἐν Κυρίῳ" (en Kyriō) reiterates the foundational role of Christ as Lord. It is a reminder that the Church's identity and growth are rooted in submission to Christ's authority. Historically, this would have been a counter-cultural statement in a society where Caesar was often declared as lord. For believers, it affirms that their ultimate allegiance is to Christ, who is the true head of the Church.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.--There is some difficulty about the rendering-"all the building." Generally the best MSS. omit the article in the original. But the sense seems to demand the rendering of the text, unless, indeed, we adopt the only other possible rendering, "in whom every act of building"--that is, every addition to the building--"is bonded to the rest, and grows," &c. The clause agrees substantially, and almost verbally with Ephesians 4:16--"From whom the whole body, fitly joined (framed) together and compacted . . . maketh increase of the body unto the edifying (building up) of itself." In this latter passage the leading idea is of the

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - In whom all the building. Not even the figure of a building can keep the apostle from his favorite idea of vital fellowship with Christ as the soul of all Christianity - "in whom." Πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ is rendered in R.V. "each several building." But surely the want of the article does not make imperative a rendering which is out of keeping with the apostle's object, viz. to illustrate the organic unity of believers, Jewish and Gentile, as one great body (comp. Ephesians 4:4, "There is one body"). If there had been many several or separate buildings in the apostle's view, why not a Jewish building and a Gentile building? Or how could the separate buildings have their lines directed by the one chief Cornerstone? In Acts 2:36 πᾶς οϊκος Ισραήλ is not "every house of Israel," but "all the house of Israel." Fitly framed together. There is a jointing and joining of the various parts to each other, forming a symmetrical, compact, well-ordered building. The Church has many members in one body, and all members have not the same office. It is a co-operative body, each aiding in his own way and with his own talent. The Church is not a collection of loose stones and timbers; its members are in vital union with Christ, and ought to be in living and loving and considerate fellowship with each other. Groweth into a holy temple in the Lord. Increase is an essential property of the Church; wherever there is life there is growth. But the growth of the Church is not mere increase of members or size; the growth is towards a temple, of which the character is holy, and it is in the Lord. The world-famed temple of Diana at Ephesus may have been in the apostle's mind - its symmetry, its glory, the relation of each several part to the rest and to the whole, as a suitable external emblem of the spiritual body which is being built up in Christ; but the Christian Church is a holy temple, dedicated to God, purified by his Spirit, entirely foreign to those defilements which disgraced the temple of Diana. The ἐν ω΅ι at the beginning of the verse is followed by ἐν Κυρίῳ at the end, as if the union of the Church to Christ could not be too often brought out. In him we are born into it; in him we grow in it; in him the whole temple grows towards the final consummation, when the topstone shall be brought out with shouts of "Grace, grace unto it."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

In
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Him
ᾧ (hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

the whole
πᾶσα (pasa)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

building
οἰκοδομὴ (oikodomē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3619: Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.

is fitted together
συναρμολογουμένη (synarmologoumenē)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4883: From sun and a derivative of a compound of harmos and lego; to render close-jointed together, i.e. Organize compactly.

[and] grows
αὔξει (auxei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 837: (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a holy
ἅγιον (hagion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

temple
ναὸν (naon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3485: A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord.
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

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NT Letters: Ephesians 2:21 In whom the whole building fitted together (Ephes. Eph. Ep)