top of page

Godly edifying

What is "godly edifying?

(in progress)

Let us look how the words

"godly edifying which is in faith" in Greek, and in how different bibles translate the expression.

1) "godly edifying which is in faith" KJV

2) "advancing God's work--which is by faith" NIV

3) "live a life of faith in God" NLT (BSB, 

4) "the stewardship from God that is by faith" (NHEB) 

5) "furthering the administration of God which is by faith" NASB

6) "God's plan, which operates by faith" CSB (GNT, HCSB, )

7) "God's redemptive plan that operates by faith" NETB

8) "do God's work that can only be done by faith" CEV

9) "God's ongoing purpose, which involves faith" ISV

10) "edification in the faith of God" ARPB.

11) "a dispensation of God which is in faith" ERV

12) "the building up of God that is in faith" YLT

For me, the phrase "godly edifying" or "edification" that appears in many bibles as well as the KJV, is properly expounded by Young's Literal Translation which tells us it means "building up" other brothers and sisters in the Faith, or by faith, in a way that is of God. Other versions also link the expounding of the phrase to other concepts.

 

The Greek meaning of the word "edifying" differs from the Oxford English Dictionary meaning, so in French, German, Spanish and many other languages there may be small differences too. Sometimes for precision we must really concentrate on the original Greek meaning.

Are you "building up" other people when you speak with them? In a way that is godly, or of God, and in a way that is part of the Faith? And are people speaking that way to you?

What are the best ways to "edify" others? All the following positive words have something to do with how to edify, or "build up" your brothers and sisters in the Faith, are you having a positive influence on others in your conversation in Jesus with others? What kind of face is the person wearing after speaking with you? Is it a smile or a frown? 

Synonyms​ =

Uplift -

perk-up -  buck-up, cheer-up, pep-up, step-up, liven-up, bring-up, lift-up. mend, brighten, take heart, ameliorate (make better - something bad or unsatisfactory ) convalesce, gain, improve, rally, recuperate, refresh, renew, revive, shake. 

raise spirits, excite, elate, 

boost, add to, advance, breakthrough, expand. improve, increment, jump. lift, rise, upgrade,  raise,

brighten, enliven, illuminate, light-up, burnish, gleam, intensify, kindle, polish, buff-up, make sunny.

elate,

cheer,

lift-up,

exhilarate,

improve,

excite, 

Enlighten

Improve

educate

teach

"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."  James 3: 9-10.

bottom of page