συγκοινωνός

a partaker with, co-partner

Definition

The Greek word συγκοινωνός (sygkoinōnos) means a joint participant, co-partner, or one who shares in something with another. It denotes a deep, mutual partnership in a common experience, task, or state. In Romans 11:17, it describes Gentile believers being grafted in to share in the spiritual blessings of Israel's covenant root. In Philippians 1:7 and Revelation 1:9, the emphasis is on sharing in specific experiences—grace and suffering, respectively—alongside others. In 1 Corinthians 9:23, Paul speaks of becoming a 'co-partner' in the gospel's benefits for the sake of others.

Biblical Usage

This word appears four times in the New Testament, always highlighting a shared, participatory relationship. Paul uses it in Romans 11:17 to describe the inclusion of Gentiles in God's promises. In Philippians 1:7, he expresses partnership in grace with the Philippian church. In 1 Corinthians 9:23, he refers to sharing in the gospel's blessings. John uses it in Revelation 1:9 to identify himself as a co-partner with his readers in the tribulation and kingdom of Jesus. The usage consistently involves a spiritual or experiential commonality.

Etymology

Derived from σύν (syn, meaning 'with') and κοινωνός (koinōnos, G2844, meaning 'partner, sharer'). It intensifies the idea of κοινωνός to emphasize a joint, mutual, or collective partnership. The prefix συγ- (syg-) underscores the 'togetherness' aspect of the sharing.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the New Testament theme of communal participation in Christ. It enriches the understanding of Christian fellowship (koinōnia) by stressing active, shared involvement in God's grace, mission, and even suffering. It underscores that salvation and Christian life are not solitary but involve being grafted into a shared identity and destiny with other believers and with Christ Himself (cf. Romans 11:17, Philippians 1:7).

In the Greco-Roman world, the root κοινωνός could refer to business partners, companions in a philosophical school, or members of a guild. The intensified form συγκοινωνός would have conveyed a strong sense of mutual obligation and shared fate within such a partnership. For early Christians, this term elevated secular partnership concepts into the spiritual realm, defining their new identity as co-sharers in a divine covenant and mission.

κοινωνός (koinōnos, G2844) — a general partner or sharer, without the intensive 'with' prefix. μέτοχος (metochos, G3353) — a participant or partaker, often used for sharing in a quality or condition (e.g., Hebrews).

Word Details

Scripture References