Brief Overview of μετέχω (Strong’s G3348: metechō)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, the exploration of Greek words like μετέχω (metechō) provides profound insight into the participatory and communal aspects of early Christian theology. The first appearance of μετέχω is in 1 Corinthians 9:10, where Paul uses it in reference to those who partake in the fruits of their labor. This word carries significant weight in understanding how individuals or groups engage in shared actions, experiences, or benefits. In both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture, metechō highlights the importance of participation and fellowship, making it a crucial term for understanding spiritual and communal involvement.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μετέχω (metechō, pronunciation: meh-TEH-khoh)

Etymology: μετέχω is a compound word derived from “μετά” (meta-), meaning “with” or “among,” and “ἔχω” (echō), meaning “to have” or “to hold.” The combination of these root words gives the sense of “having with” or “participating in,” emphasizing involvement in something alongside others.

Part of Speech: μετέχω is a verb. It describes an action of participating or sharing in something, often indicating a collective experience or a shared benefit.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To partake or participate. This is the primary meaning of μετέχω, referring to the act of sharing or participating in something, whether it be an experience, responsibility, or benefit. In 1 Corinthians 9:10, Paul uses it to describe those who participate in the fruits of their labor.

Meaning 2: To share in or to have a part in. This meaning emphasizes involvement in a shared action or outcome, suggesting an active role in a collective process.

Meaning 3: To engage in fellowship or communion. In some contexts, μετέχω can imply a deeper sense of spiritual or communal sharing, particularly in the context of the early Christian understanding of fellowship.

Exploring Similar Words

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κοινωνέω (koinōneō, pronounced koy-no-NEH-oh): This word means “to share” or “to have fellowship.” It is closely related to μετέχω but often carries a more intimate or communal sense of sharing, particularly in the context of spiritual fellowship.

συμμετέχω (symmetechō, pronounced soom-meh-TEH-khoh): This word means “to partake together” or “to jointly participate.” While similar to μετέχω, it emphasizes the collective or joint aspect of participation, often used in the context of group actions.

ἔχω (echō, pronounced EH-khoh): This verb means “to have” or “to hold.” It forms the second part of μετέχω and highlights the possession or involvement aspect of participation.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μετέχω can appear in various tenses, voices, and moods depending on its context. In 1 Corinthians 9:10, it is in the present active indicative form (“μετέχει”), indicating ongoing participation. The present tense emphasizes the continuous or habitual action of partaking, while the indicative mood presents it as a factual statement.

Person and Number: μετέχω can be conjugated in different persons and numbers. In 1 Corinthians 9:10, it appears in the 3rd person singular, referring to the general idea that one participates in the benefits of their labor.

Aspect: The present aspect in Greek often implies an ongoing action. When used in other tenses, μετέχω can convey completed participation (perfective) or future participation (future aspect).

Conjugation Table: Present Indicative Active

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical insights show that μετέχω focuses on participation and shared involvement, particularly in collective activities or communal experiences. In 1 Corinthians 9:10, Paul uses the term to explain that laborers in the field, or in ministry, should partake of the fruits of their labor, emphasizing the fairness of sharing in both work and reward. Theologically, μετέχω is key to understanding the Christian concepts of fellowship, communion, and mutual participation. In classical Greek literature, the word often appeared in contexts of joint ownership or shared responsibilities, while in the Septuagint, it was used to describe participation in both blessings and communal actions.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• 1 Corinthians 9:10: “Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher should thresh in hope of sharing [μετέχω] in the crop.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:17: “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake [μετέχω] of the one bread.”
• Hebrews 2:14: “Since therefore the children share [μετέχω] in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μετέχω, meaning “to partake” or “to participate,” is essential in understanding the theological and communal principles of shared experiences in both the New Testament and classical Greek contexts. It underscores the idea of involvement in something alongside others, whether it is labor, blessings, or communal rituals. Paul uses μετέχω in 1 Corinthians 9:10 to highlight the fairness of those who work sharing in the results of their labor, while in other contexts, it is used to describe the Christian fellowship in communion or shared responsibilities. In classical literature, the word conveys similar ideas of joint participation, especially in military, ethical, or philosophical discussions.

Did You Know?

• μετέχω plays a key role in 1 Corinthians 10:17, where Paul uses it to describe the collective participation of believers in the body of Christ, symbolized by partaking of the bread during communion.
• The word also appears in Hebrews 2:14, where it is used to describe how Christ shared in humanity’s flesh and blood, underscoring the profound theological concept of Christ’s incarnation and His participation in human nature.
• In classical Greek, μετέχω was frequently used to describe joint ownership or shared experiences, especially in legal, military, or philosophical contexts, showing its wide-ranging applicability.