[Greek] ἀνοικοδομέω (anoikodomeō), [Latin] aedificare, [Latin] reaedificare: to build again, to rebuild, to restore; Acts 15:16
Galen (130-210 AD) was a physician, surgeon, and philosopher during the time of the Roman Empire. Here is one of his ‘prescriptions’ for human happiness.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to build up, to erect, to wall up, to build again, and to rebuild. Herodotus’ The Histories 1.186 states “Near the middle of the city, the Queen built a bridge with the stones that had been dug, binding them together with iron and lead.” Lycurgus’ Against Leocrates 81 states “I will not rebuild a single one of the shrines which the barbarians have burn and razed, but allow them to remain for future generation as a memorial to the barbarians’ impiety.” Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 1.89 states “The Athenian people, after the departure, of the barbarians, prepared to rebuild the city and their walls. For only isolated portions had been left standing.
Old Testament: This term means to build, to establish, to cause to continue, to establish a family, to wall up, to wall off, to build a wall, and to shut off. He has walled up my way so that I cannot pass (Job 19:8). He has blocked my ways with hewn stone (Lam.3:9). In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches (Amo.9:11). The Lord fashioned into woman a rib which He has taken from the man (Gen.2:22). Then Noah built an altar to the Lord (Gen.8:20). I will establish your see forever and build up your throne to all generation (Psa.89:4). The son which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone (Psa.118:22). The wise woman builds her house (Pro.9:1).
Old Testament prophet Amos: Amos was a sheep-breeder in Judah, who delivered his oracles in the northern kingdom during the reign of Jeroboam II (786-746 BC). Amos, in the great cult center of Bethel, prophesied the overthrow of the sanctuary, the fall of the royal house, and the captivity of the people. The priest of Bethel ultimately expelled Amos. Amos boldly indicts kings, priest, and leaders. Amos is a prophet of divine judgment, concerned about the sovereignty of the Lord. Israel’s rebelliousness seems to have exhausted God’s divine patience, potentially leading to Israel’s destruction. However, Amos ends on a hopeful note stating that God will raise up (rebuild) the fallen house of David.
New Testament: This term means to build up again. At the Council of Jerusalem, James makes reference to the words of the Old Testament prophet Amos in a messianic sense. In Amos 9:11-12 the house (family) of David will be rebuilt. The Davidic kingdom had became the divided Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Amos offers the promise of the house (hut) of David being rebuilt. Jesus will be the shoot from which the house of David will be rebuilt.
Scripture:
“After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again.” Acts 15:16
Jesus, a shoot of David, will rebuild this house of David.
Etymology: The Greek prefix ana- means again. An oikos is the ancient Greek equivalent of a household, house or family. Essentially, this was the basic unit of society in most Greek city states. Oikos becomes the basis for the word economy. The Latin aedis can be a temple, shrine, room, building, or dwelling.
Conclusion:
Economy, economic, economize, edifice, edification, edifying
As for the etymology (word origin) of this term, this background information could perhaps be very ‘edifying’ in building up your knowledge about this term.
One can only imagine all the countless destruction (and rebuilding) that comes from wars and conflicts. Kings, queens, and other leaders have continually initiated great building infrastructure projects over time. One can also imagine such leaders imprisoning, walling up, and incarcerating enemies or prisoners.
This term is found quite frequently in the Old Testament. It is interesting to note that this term can be used metaphorically. In one sense, building a house (family) can mean having offspring and descendants. This is a common Eastern idiom. A woman is said ‘to be built’ means having children (or the capacity to have children). In one sense, ‘to wall someone around’ means to set one in safety.
In the New Testament, Jesus is the descendant who will build up (restore) the house of David.
Cornonavirus update: Each and every one of us want and need to get back to work. We need to get back to work to rebuild our economy (and our own livelihoods), our piece of mind, and our responsibilities in providing for others. But we also must be careful and deliberate. And so your prescription is ready (with unlimited refills). Take as directed.