Lexical Summary koinóneó: To share, to participate, to have fellowship, to partake Original Word: κοινωνέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance distribute, partake. From koinonos; to share with others (objectively or subjectively) -- communicate, distribute, be partaker. see GREEK koinonos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2841 koinōnéō – to participate (share in), as an associate ("partaker"). See 2842 (koinōnia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom koinónos Definition to have a share of NASB Translation contributing (1), participates (1), share (4), shared (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2841: κοινωνέωκοινωνέω, κοινώνω; 1 aorist ἐκοινώνησα; perfect κεκοινώνηκα; (κοινωνός); a. to come into communion or fellowship, to become a sharer, be made a partner: as in Greek writings with the genitive of the thing, Hebrews 2:14 ((so Proverbs 1:11; 2 Macc. 14:25)); with the dative of the thing (rarely so in Greek writings), Romans 15:27; (1 Peter 4:13). b. to enter into fellowship, join oneself as an associate, make oneself a sharer or partner: as in Greek writings, with the dative of the thing, 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:11; ταῖς χεῖρας τίνος, so to make another's necessities one's own as to relieve them (A. V. communicating to the necessities etc.), Romans 12:13; with the dative of person followed by εἰς τί (as in Plato, rep. 5, p. 453 a.), Philippians 4:15; followed by ἐν with the dative of the thing which one shares with another, Galatians 6:6 (κοινωνησεις ἐν πᾶσι τῷ πλησίον σου καί οὐκ ἐρεῖς ἰδίᾳ εἶναι, Epistle of Barnabas 19, 8 [ET]); cf. Winers Grammar, § 30, 8a.; (Buttmann, § 132, 8; Lightfoot or Ellicott on Galatians 1. c. Compare: συγκοινωνέω.) The verb highlights active participation in something that belongs to another—whether blessings, needs, sufferings or sins. Every occurrence underscores that “sharing” is never neutral: it draws the participant into real moral and spiritual partnership for good or ill. Patterns of New Testament Usage 1. Partnership in Material Support 2. Participation in Christ and His Redemptive Work 3. Cautionary Use: Avoiding Sinful Partnership Theological Threads Participation and Obligation Sharing in spiritual riches (Romans 15:27) places a moral debt on the recipient: spiritual gain should overflow in tangible service. The verb weds privilege to responsibility. Christological Foundation Jesus’ incarnational “sharing” (Hebrews 2:14) pioneers the pattern: He enters our condition, we enter His sufferings, and together we will share His glory (1 Peter 4:13). Christian fellowship is thus grounded in the incarnation and cross. Communal Integrity The same term that binds saints can implicate them in evil (1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:11). Discernment governs fellowship; purity protects the gospel witness. Historical Perspective Early Christian writings outside the New Testament (e.g., Didache, Ignatius) echo this verb’s thrust—churches pooled resources for itinerant ministers and widows, saw martyrdom as “fellowship with Christ,” and guarded the table from heresy. The continuity suggests the apostolic teaching quickly shaped communal norms. Ministry Implications Today • Stewardship: Giving is more than funding projects; it is gospel partnership. Summary Strong’s Greek 2841 calls believers to tangible, discerning, Christ-reflecting participation—sharing resources, sorrows and mission, while refusing any share in wickedness. Such fellowship, rooted in the incarnation and guided by holiness, nurtures both the unity and purity of the church. Englishman's Concordance Romans 12:13 V-PPA-NMPGRK: τῶν ἁγίων κοινωνοῦντες τὴν φιλοξενίαν NAS: contributing to the needs KJV: Distributing to the necessity INT: of the saints share hospitality Romans 15:27 V-AIA-3P Galatians 6:6 V-PMA-3S Philippians 4:15 V-AIA-3S 1 Timothy 5:22 V-PMA-2S Hebrews 2:14 V-RIA-3S 1 Peter 4:13 V-PIA-2P 2 John 1:11 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 2841 |
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