Brief Overview of κοινός (Strong’s G2839: koinos)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament can provide deeper insights into the text and its meanings. The Greek word κοινός (koinos), which first appears in Mark 7:2, holds particular significance in biblical studies due to its implications of “common” or “unclean.” This word is pivotal for interpreting concepts related to purity laws, social interactions, and the shift from Jewish to early Christian thought. In ancient Greek culture, as well as in New Testament contexts, koinos reflects ideas of shared or public spaces, but also holds theological weight when used to describe what is profane or impure.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κοινός, transliterated as koinos [KOI-nos].

Etymology: The term κοινός is derived from the Greek root that means “common” or “shared.” It has connections with the idea of something being communal or publicly accessible, and by extension, something that is not holy or set apart.

Part of Speech: Adjective. As an adjective, koinos describes nouns and can take different forms based on case, number, and gender, which is typical for Greek adjectives. It is used to describe something as “common,” “ordinary,” or “unclean,” often in the context of ritual purity in Jewish law.

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Defining Meanings

1. Common: The primary meaning of koinos is “common” or “shared.” It refers to something that is not set apart for a special purpose but is instead available to all.
2. Unclean (Profane): In a more specific religious context, koinos is used to denote what is ritually impure or unclean, particularly under Jewish purity laws. It signifies that which is not holy and therefore should not be touched or consumed.
3. Ordinary: The term also implies “ordinary” in the sense of being mundane or lacking in special status or sanctity.

Exploring Similar Words

1. καθαρός (katharos) [ka-THA-ros]: Means “clean” or “pure,” often in direct contrast to koinos. While koinos denotes something common or impure, katharos suggests something ritually pure or acceptable.
2. ἅγιος (hagios) [HA-gee-os]: Translates as “holy” or “set apart.” It represents the opposite concept of koinos, indicating something sacred as opposed to common or profane.
3. βέβηλος (bebēlos) [BE-be-los]: Another term that means “profane” or “irreligious.” While it also refers to what is unclean, it has a stronger connotation of something that is desecrated or opposed to sacredness.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Case, Number, Gender: As an adjective, koinos changes form to agree with the noun it modifies in case, number, and gender:

• Masculine Singular: κοινός
• Feminine Singular: κοινή
• Neuter Singular: κοινόν
• Masculine Plural: κοινοί
• Feminine Plural: κοιναί
• Neuter Plural: κοινά

Declension: koinos follows the standard first and second declension patterns in Greek.

For more on Greek adjective declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word koinos carries a variety of meanings that depend on context. In New Testament usage, it is frequently employed to describe the impurity of objects or actions that are considered defiled or unholy by Jewish laws, especially regarding food and ritual. This usage is crucial for understanding Jesus’ teachings on inner purity versus outward ceremonial practices. In classical Greek, koinos often referred to something communal or public, without the connotation of impurity. In Christian writings, this term also marks a shift from Jewish customs to a broader understanding of what is considered “clean” or “holy.” This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Mark 7:2: “And when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled [κοιναῖς], that is to say, with unwashed hands, they found fault.”
   Here, koinos is used to describe the ritual impurity perceived by the Pharisees in the disciples’ actions.
2. Acts 10:14: “But Peter said, ‘Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common [κοινόν] or unclean.'”
   In this context, Peter uses koinos to refer to food that is considered unclean under Jewish law.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

koínos is a term that holds both cultural and theological significance. Its use in the New Testament challenges traditional Jewish purity laws and introduces new perspectives on holiness and community life. By understanding its range of meanings from “common” to “unclean,” readers gain insight into the cultural dynamics of the early Christian movement and the evolving interpretation of sacredness and community.

Did You Know?

1. The term koinonia, meaning fellowship or communion, is derived from the same root as koinos, highlighting the shift from “common” to “shared” in a positive, communal sense.
2. In classical Greek culture, something “common” could also imply something public or not privately owned, contrasting with the sacred or the divine.
3. The debate over what is koinos in early Christianity was central to the shift from Jewish dietary laws to a more inclusive approach, as seen in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15).