Brief Overview of μέτοχος (Strong’s G3353: metochos)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding key Greek words is essential for biblical studies, as they reveal deeper meanings that help to interpret the context of Scripture. The word μέτοχος (metochos) appears for the first time in Luke 5:7 and is translated as “partner” or “participant.” This term is significant because it conveys the concept of shared involvement in something—whether in business, actions, or spiritual matters. In ancient Greek culture, metochos was often used in both civic and economic spheres to describe those who shared responsibilities or ownership. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts that emphasize fellowship and joint responsibility, making it an essential word for understanding the nature of Christian partnerships and collective spiritual endeavors.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μέτοχος (metochos, pronounced MEH-toh-khos)

Etymology: μέτοχος is derived from the preposition “μετά” (meta-), meaning “with” or “among,” and “ἔχω” (echō), meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Together, the word conveys the idea of someone who “holds with” or shares in something, thus signifying a partner or participant.

Part of Speech: μέτοχος is a noun, masculine in form, and refers to a person who is a sharer, partner, or participant in an action, enterprise, or fellowship.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Partner. In Luke 5:7, metochos is used to describe those who are partners in a fishing business, implying shared responsibility and labor.

Meaning 2: Participant. In other contexts, metochos is used more broadly to describe someone who takes part in a specific event or spiritual reality, such as being a partaker in Christ’s holiness (Hebrews 3:14).

Meaning 3: Fellow. In a spiritual or moral context, metochos can imply fellowship in a shared mission or goal, particularly in Christian fellowship and ministry.

Exploring Similar Words

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κοινωνός (koinōnos, pronounced koy-NO-nos): This word also means “partner” or “fellow,” but with a stronger emphasis on fellowship and shared experiences. While metochos can focus on business partnerships or practical responsibilities, koinōnos often refers to deeper, spiritual sharing.

συγκοινωνός (synkoinōnos, pronounced soon-koy-NO-nos): A word meaning “joint-partner” or “fellow-sharer,” typically used to describe someone who shares a common mission or goal, especially in evangelism or ministry.

μετέχω (metechō, pronounced meh-TEH-kho): This verb means “to partake” or “to participate,” and is closely related to metochos. It emphasizes the act of sharing in something, whether physical or spiritual.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: μέτοχος is a masculine noun that follows standard declension patterns. It can be used in various grammatical cases, depending on its function in the sentence.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

From a lexicon analysis, metochos consistently refers to someone who shares or participates in something. In Luke 5:7, it describes business partners in a fishing venture, but in other New Testament passages, it takes on more theological meaning. For example, in Hebrews 3:14, believers are called “partakers” in Christ, indicating a deep, spiritual fellowship. Lexicons also highlight the use of metochos in classical Greek to describe partnerships in public or private ventures, demonstrating its broad applicability.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Luke 5:7: “They signaled to their partners [μέτοχος] in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.”
• Hebrews 3:14: “For we have come to share [μέτοχος] in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
• Hebrews 1:9: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions [μέτοχος].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

μέτοχος is a significant word in the New Testament, indicating partnership, participation, or fellowship. While it is used in practical contexts, such as business partnerships (Luke 5:7), it also holds theological depth, especially in passages like Hebrews 3:14, where believers are described as participants in Christ. The word highlights the importance of shared involvement and mutual responsibility in both earthly and spiritual matters. In classical Greek, it similarly emphasized partnerships, whether in governance, philosophy, or other collective endeavors. The concept of being a μέτοχος underlines the biblical principle that Christians are called to live in fellowship with one another and with Christ.

Did You Know?

• The word μέτοχος is related to μετοχή (G3352), which means “fellowship” or “participation.” Both words share the root meta-, meaning “with” or “among.”
• In ancient Greek culture, μέτοχος was often used to describe military partners or companions who shared in the responsibilities of planning and executing campaigns.
• In the Septuagint, μέτοχος is frequently used to describe companionship or participation in moral or religious practices, particularly in the context of keeping God’s commandments.