In my career as a Lutheran pastor, I have probably preached around 3,000 sermons. Like most ministers I endeavoured to edify the congregation in each one of them.
Edify means to instruct and improve, especially in moral and religious knowledge. A clergy person employs various types of messages to edify the people in attendance or watching online. To edify can mean to preach homilies that make people squirm in the pews but always includes a communication of good news in God’s love in Jesus Christ for all.
Edify can also imply building up others in various aspects of life and improving their character through positive, supportive words and actions.
Edify entered the English language in the 1300s, from the Latin aedificare, meaning to build or construct a house, a town, a ship, or any public work. In Late Latin aedificare was used metaphorically for instructing or improving spiritually. Aedificare came from the Latin word for temple, aedes. The English word edifice comes from this same origin. Edifice means a large, massive structure.
The King James version of the Bible (an early version of the Bible in English, published 1611) translates Ephesians 4:12 (about church workers, like pastors, who are given to the Church), “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Edify was chosen to translate the Greek word oikodomen from oikodomeo (to build a structure). Modern translations of the Bible use “for building up the body of Christ.”
Likewise, the King James translation renders Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” While modern versions use, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Edify asserts the two aspects of uplifting and enlightening. Uplifting implies improvement in the spiritual or social condition of a person. She creates music that uplifts the soul. Enlightening suggests giving insight and knowledge to someone. The speaker enlightened us on the latest advancements in AI technology.
US politics, and to some extent Canadian politics, are in an era of division and extreme putting down of other parties, rather than striving for any consensus. I am not naive enough to think that opposing politicians would edify each other, but some assertions of positive work should be considered. Jason Kenney, a conservative premier of Alberta (2019-2022) from the United Conservative Party, had some positive edification for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s handling of the US trade issues. Nothing like a crisis to bring divergent people together. Wouldn’t it be nice to offer grace and encouragement more frequently than harmful, corrupt communication.
Let us learn to edify others when appropriate. Edify one another in private conversations more frequently to foster trust, confidence, and mutual respect. Edify others in public settings to put the best construction on their actions, especially if rumours are floated about.
You could mention positive traits and recognize hard work. Speaking with kindness and honesty are pillars of edifying others. Edify others in pursuing their goals, empathize with their challenges, and help strengthen their confidence.
The high school teacher hoped his recommendations for a reading program would edify the students and instill a love of books and learning.
Ancient Roman poet, Horace (65-8 BC), shared a philosophical principle of art, “aut delectare aut prodesse” (to delight or to profit). The best art combines entertainment (pleasure and engagement) with edification (moral, intellectual, and spiritual improvement).
I hope all of us can increase our words of edification for others and to others so that society can develop a more positive experience for all.
Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.
John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com. Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.
