Strong's Lexicon koinónikos: Generous, sharing, sociable Original Word: κοινωνικός Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κοινωνός (koinónos), meaning "partner" or "sharer." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "koinónikos," the concept of generosity and sharing is echoed in Hebrew terms like חֶסֶד (chesed, Strong's H2617), which denotes loving-kindness and mercy, often expressed through acts of generosity. Usage: The term "koinónikos" is used to describe someone who is inclined to share or be generous. It conveys the idea of being sociable and having a spirit of fellowship. In the context of the New Testament, it often refers to the Christian virtue of generosity and the willingness to share one's resources with others, reflecting the communal and selfless nature of early Christian communities. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "koinonia" (fellowship or partnership) was significant in both secular and religious contexts. It denoted a close association involving mutual interests and sharing. Early Christians adopted and expanded this concept to describe the spiritual and material fellowship among believers, emphasizing unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. This was countercultural in a society often marked by class divisions and individualism. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2843 koinōnikós (an adjective) – ready to partner with (fellowship in), used only in 1 Tim 6:18. See 2842 (koinōnia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom koinónia Definition ready to impart NASB Translation ready to share (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2843: κοινωνικόςκοινωνικός, κοινωνικη, κοινωνικον (κοινωνία); 1. social, sociable, ready and apt to form and maintain communion and fellowship: Plato, deff., p. 411 e.; Aristotle, pol. 3,13 (p. 1283a, 38; eth. Eudem. 8, 10, p. 1242a, 26 κοινωνικον ἄνθρωπος ζοων); Polybius 2, 44,1; Antoninus 7, 52. 55; often in Plutarch; πράξεις κοινωνικαι, actions having reference to human society, Antoninus 4, 33; 5, 1. 2. inclined to make others sharers in one's possessions, inclined to impart, free in giving, liberal (Aristotle, rhet. 2, 24, 2 (where, however, see Cope); Lucian, Tim. 56): 1 Timothy 6:18. From koinonos; communicative, i.e. (pecuniarily) liberal -- willing to communicate. see GREEK koinonos |
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