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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 2:21 In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/49_Eph_02_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 2:21 - A Temple in the Lord" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/lsb/ephesians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> in whom the whole building, being joined together, is growing into a holy sanctuary in the Lord, <a href="/amp/ephesians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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]. <a href="/csb/ephesians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. <a href="/asv/ephesians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; <a href="/cev/ephesians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Christ is the one who holds the building together and makes it grow into a holy temple for the Lord. <a href="/erv/ephesians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; <a href="/gwt/ephesians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In him all the parts of the building fit together and grow into a holy temple in the Lord. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. <a href="/isv/ephesians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord. <a href="/msb/ephesians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. <a href="/net/ephesians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> In whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth to a holy temple in the Lord: <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in union with whom the whole fabric, fitted and closely joined together, is growing so as to form a holy sanctuary in the Lord; <a href="/web/ephesians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> in whom all the building fitly framed together increases to a holy temple in the LORD, <a href="/blb/ephesians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is increasing into a holy temple in the Lord, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> in whom all the building fitly framed together doth increase to an holy sanctuary in the Lord, <a href="/slt/ephesians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In whom all the building fitted together increases into a holy temple in the Lord:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And through him the whole building is fashioned and grows into a holy temple through the help of the LORD: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And the whole building is constructed by him and grows into a holy temple in THE LORD JEHOVAH,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> in whom the whole building, compactly fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; <a href="/godbey/ephesians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> in whom the entire edifice, being assimilated, increases into a holy temple in the Lord; <a href="/haweis/ephesians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> in whom the whole building exactly cemented together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord: <a href="/mace/ephesians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> on which the whole structure rises with symmetry into a temple, consecrated by the Lord: <a href="/wey/ephesians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in union with whom the whole fabric, fitted and closely joined together, is growing so as to form a holy sanctuary in the Lord; <a href="/worrell/ephesians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> in Whom all the building, fitly framed together, is growing up into a holy temple in the Lord; <a href="/worsley/ephesians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> in whom the whole building fitly joined together increaseth to an holy temple in the Lord: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/2-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=380" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/2.htm">A Temple in the Lord</a> …20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21<a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">In</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">Him</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasa (Adj-NFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">the whole</a> <a href="/greek/3619.htm" title="3619: oikodomē (N-NFS) -- Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.">building</a> <a href="/greek/4883.htm" title="4883: synarmologoumenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- From sun and a derivative of a compound of harmos and lego; to render close-jointed together, i.e. Organize compactly.">is fitted together</a> <a href="/greek/837.htm" title="837: auxei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.">and grows</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagion (Adj-AMS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">a holy</a> <a href="/greek/3485.htm" title="3485: naon (N-AMS) -- A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.">temple</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.</a> 22And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16-17</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19</a> 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; <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16</a> 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.” <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15-16</a> 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. <a href="/colossians/2-19.htm">Colossians 2:19</a> 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. <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2-3</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Hebrews 3:6</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> 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. <a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a> 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. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/6-7.htm">1 Kings 6:7</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> 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. <a href="/zechariah/6-12.htm">Zechariah 6:12-13</a> 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.’ <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a> The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to an holy temple in the Lord:all.<a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13-16</a> 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: … <a href="/ezekiel/40-1.htm">Ezekiel 40:1-42:20</a> 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… <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.fitly.<a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Exodus 26:1-37</a> 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… <a href="/1_kings/6-7.htm">1 Kings 6:7</a> 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.<a href="/psalms/93-5.htm">Psalm 93:5</a> Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.<a href="/ezekiel/42-12.htm">Ezekiel 42:12</a> 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.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-17.htm">1 Corinthians 3:17</a> If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Building</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-24.htm">Fabric</a> <a href="/songs/5-12.htm">Fitly</a> <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Form</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Framed</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Groweth</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Growing</a> <a href="/galatians/5-9.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Increases</a> <a href="/galatians/2-13.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/romans/15-12.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Several</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Structure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-6.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-21.htm">Union</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/revelation/21-18.htm">Fabric</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Fitly</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Form</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Framed</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Groweth</a> <a href="/colossians/1-6.htm">Growing</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">House</a> <a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Increases</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/philippians/4-16.htm">Several</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-10.htm">Structure</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-22.htm">Together</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Union</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-15.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 2</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,</a> 10. <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ, </a> 19. <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It reflects the Pauline theology that all spiritual blessings and unity are found in Jesus Christ. The phrase "In Him" is a recurring theme in Ephesians, highlighting the believer's union with Christ (<a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3-14</a>). This union is foundational for understanding the believer's identity and purpose.the whole building The metaphor of a building is used to describe the church, the body of believers. This imagery is consistent with other Pauline writings, such as <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9-17</a>, where believers are described as God's building. The "whole building" signifies the universal church, composed of all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, unified in Christ.is fitted together This phrase suggests careful construction and design, indicating that each believer has a specific place and purpose within the church. The Greek term used here implies a harmonious joining, reflecting the idea that God is the master architect. This concept is echoed in <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a>, where believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house.and grows The growth of the building signifies the dynamic and living nature of the church. It is not static but continually expanding and maturing. This growth is both numerical, as more people come to faith, and spiritual, as believers deepen in their relationship with Christ. The idea of growth is also seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15-16</a>, where the body of Christ is described as growing and building itself up in love.into a holy temple The temple imagery connects to the Old Testament, where the temple was the dwelling place of God among His people (<a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-11</a>). In the New Testament, the church is now the dwelling place of God through the Spirit (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16</a>). The term "holy" emphasizes the set-apart nature of the church, called to reflect God's holiness.in the Lord This phrase reaffirms that the church's identity and growth are rooted in Christ. The Lordship of Christ is a central theme in Ephesians, underscoring His authority and preeminence over the church (<a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22-23</a>). The church's existence and purpose are entirely dependent on its relationship with the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the early church was established. It was known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> Referred to metaphorically as a building or temple, representing the collective body of believers in Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The cornerstone of the church, in whom the whole building is fitted together. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> The agent of growth and unity within the church, enabling believers to become a holy temple.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_christ.htm">Unity in Christ</a> The church is described as a building "fitted together," emphasizing the importance of unity among believers. Each member has a unique role, but all are essential to the integrity of the whole. <a href="/topical/g/growth_in_holiness.htm">Growth in Holiness</a> The church is not static; it "grows into a holy temple." This growth is both individual and collective, as believers are called to pursue holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_cornerstone.htm">Christ as the Cornerstone</a> Jesus is the foundation upon which the church is built. Our faith and actions must align with His teachings and example. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Spirit is crucial in the process of building and growing the church. Believers should seek the Spirit's guidance and empowerment in their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_as_a_witness.htm">The Church as a Witness</a> As a holy temple, the church serves as a witness to the world of God's presence and power. Our lives should reflect the character of Christ to those around us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 2</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_community_church.htm">What defines a community church?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'cornerstone'_mean.htm">What does "Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'catholic'_mean.htm">What does "Catholic" mean and how is it defined?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm" title="From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love.">Ephesians 4:16</a>--"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<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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. <a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4</a>, "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 <a href="/acts/2-36.htm">Acts 2:36</a> 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." <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/2-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. the whole πᾶσα (pasa) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_3619.htm">Strong's 3619: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4883.htm">Strong's 4883: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_837.htm">Strong's 837: </a> (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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. a holy ἅγιον (hagion) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. temple ναὸν (naon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3485.htm">Strong's 3485: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 2:21 In whom the whole building fitted together (Ephes. Eph. 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