Original Word: μετοχή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: metoché
Pronunciation: meh-to-KHAY
Phonetic Spelling: (met-okh-ay')
Definition: sharing, partnership, fellowship.
Meaning: The term μετοχή refers to participation, sharing, or fellowship. It denotes the act of having a share in something or being a partaker.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μετέχω (metechō), meaning "to share in" or "to partake."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for μετοχή, the concept of fellowship and sharing is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. Terms such as חֶבֶר (cheber, Strong's 2267) meaning "association" or "company," and יָד (yad, Strong's 3027) in the sense of "hand" or "power" when used metaphorically for partnership, can reflect similar ideas of communal participation and shared experience.

Usage: The word μετοχή is used in the New Testament to describe the concept of sharing or participating in a common experience or possession. It is often used in the context of spiritual fellowship or partnership.

Context: The Greek term μετοχή (metochē) appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of sharing or participating in a common experience, particularly in a spiritual or communal context. This term is closely related to the concept of fellowship among believers, emphasizing the unity and shared life within the body of Christ.

In the New Testament, μετοχή is used to describe the intimate and communal relationship that believers have with one another and with Christ. It underscores the importance of being part of a community where spiritual gifts, burdens, and joys are shared. This participation is not merely a passive association but an active engagement in the life and mission of the Christian community.

The concept of μετοχή is foundational to understanding the early Christian church's emphasis on unity and mutual support. It reflects the theological principle that believers are not isolated individuals but members of a larger body, each contributing to the well-being and growth of the whole.

An example of this usage can be found in Hebrews 3:14 (BSB): "We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first." Here, μετοχή is translated as "share," highlighting the believers' participation in the life and benefits of Christ through steadfast faith.

Cognate: 3352 metoxḗ – a close relation between partners, i.e. people sharing something held in common (used only in 2 Cor 6:14); joint-activity. See 3353 (metoxos).