ἐνδόμησις

the material of a building, a structure

Definition

The Greek word ἐνδόμησις refers to the material used in constructing a building, specifically the structural substance or fabric of an edifice. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Revelation 21:18, it describes the very substance of the New Jerusalem's wall, which is said to be 'jasper.' This usage emphasizes not just the wall as an object, but its intrinsic, glorious composition. The term thus conveys the idea of foundational building material, the stuff from which a structure is formed.

Biblical Usage

ἐνδόμησις is used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 21:18. It appears in the apocalyptic vision of the New Jerusalem, specifying the material nature of the holy city's wall. The context is highly symbolic and descriptive of heavenly realities, contrasting earthly building materials with divine, radiant substances like jasper.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in') combined with a root related to building (domēsis, from δομέω, 'to build'). It literally means 'a building in,' or 'that which is built in,' focusing on the material integrated into a structure. It is a rare noun, closely related to more common words for house (οἶκος, oikos, G3624) and building (οἰκοδομή, oikodomē, G3619).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the substance of the eternal city in Revelation. Its singular use highlights the transcendent, incorruptible nature of God's ultimate dwelling place with humanity. Understanding it as the 'structural fabric' enriches the reading of Revelation 21:18, moving beyond a simple wall to appreciate the city's glorious, divine composition—a stark contrast to earthly temples and a fulfillment of God's promise of a new creation.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the quality and type of building material (stone, marble, brick) were direct indicators of a city's wealth, power, and permanence. John's audience would understand the symbolic weight of specifying the wall's material as precious jasper, signifying the New Jerusalem's divine origin, imperishable nature, and surpassing splendor compared to any earthly metropolis.

οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, G3619) — a more general term for a building or edifice, often used metaphorically for spiritual upbuilding. θεμέλιος (themelios, G2310) — refers specifically to a foundation, the base upon which a structure is built, whereas ἐνδόμησις is the material of the structure itself.

Word Details

Scripture References