κοινωνέω

I share, communicate, have fellowship with

Definition

κοινωνέω means to share, participate in, or have fellowship with someone or something. In the New Testament, it primarily conveys two senses: actively sharing resources with others (Romans 12:13, Romans 15:27) and sharing in or participating in an experience, condition, or spiritual reality (Hebrews 2:14, 1 Peter 4:13). For example, in Galatians 6:6, it refers to sharing material goods with a teacher, while in 2 John 1:11, it warns against sharing in the evil deeds of false teachers. The word thus bridges concrete acts of generosity and deep spiritual partnership.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears eight times across various New Testament genres, including Pauline epistles, Hebrews, and a general epistle. Paul uses it to instruct believers in practical sharing and financial support for ministry (Romans 15:27, Philippians 4:15, Galatians 6:6). In Hebrews 2:14, it describes Christ sharing in human nature, and in 1 Peter 4:13, it encourages believers to share in Christ's sufferings. The usage consistently involves a relational connection, whether positive (fellowship, support) or negative (association with wrongdoing in 2 John 1:11).

Etymology

κοινωνέω derives from the root κοινός (koinos, G2839), meaning 'common' or 'shared.' It is related to the noun κοινωνία (koinōnia, G2842), meaning 'fellowship' or 'participation.' The verb form emphasizes the action of making something common or entering into a shared state. This word family is central to New Testament concepts of community, mutual support, and partnership in the faith.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underpins the biblical concept of Christian fellowship (κοινωνία). It highlights the mutual responsibility within the body of Christ, where sharing material resources (Romans 12:13) reflects spiritual unity. It also deepens our understanding of Christ's incarnation—He 'shared' in our humanity (Hebrews 2:14) to redeem us. Furthermore, it calls believers to active participation in both the sufferings and joys of the Christian life (1 Peter 4:13), moving fellowship beyond mere social interaction to tangible partnership in the gospel.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'sharing' or 'fellowship' (κοινωνία) often referred to business partnerships, social clubs, or familial obligations. The New Testament appropriates this term but infuses it with deeper, spiritual meaning centered on union with Christ and the church. Unlike casual associations, Christian κοινωνέω involved a committed, sacrificial sharing of life and resources, reflecting the self-giving love of Jesus. This transformed a common cultural idea into a marker of Christian identity.

μετέχω (metechō, G3348) — also means 'to share in' or 'participate,' but can be slightly more general; κοινωνία (koinōnia, G2842) — the noun form meaning 'fellowship,' 'participation,' or 'contribution'; μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi, G3330) — emphasizes the act of giving or imparting a share to someone.

Word Details

Scripture References