Strong’s G4790: A compound verb meaning “to partake with, to share in, to have fellowship with.” From σύν (with) and κοινωνέω (to share). Used in both positive contexts of sharing in affliction and negative contexts warning against participation in evil, emphasizing the profound implications of spiritual fellowship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συγκοινωνέω conveys deep participation or fellowship, emphasizing shared experience or association. In the New Testament, it appears in both cautionary contexts warning against fellowship with darkness and commendatory contexts praising shared participation in affliction for the Messiah. The early church understood this word as central to understanding both the boundaries of Christian fellowship and the depth of Christian solidarity. Today, it continues to guide believers in discerning proper spiritual associations while encouraging meaningful participation in the body of the Messiah.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συγκοινωνέω, sugkoinoneo, /soong-koy-no-neh’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOONG (as in “soon”) – koy – no (as in “know”) – NEH – o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (sun) prefix meaning “with, together”
• κοινωνέω (koinoneo) meaning “to share, participate”
• Combined meaning: “to participate together with”

D – Defining Meanings

• To share together with others
• To participate jointly
• To have fellowship with

For compound words:

• σύν emphasizes joint participation
• κοινωνέω provides the concept of sharing
• Combined stresses mutual involvement

Translation Options:

• “To have fellowship with” – Emphasizes relationship
• “To participate with” – Stresses active involvement
• “To share together” – Highlights mutual experience

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κοινωνέω (koinoneo) /koy-no-neh’-o/ – to share See G2841
• μετέχω (metecho) /met-ekh’-o/ – to partake See G3348
• συμμερίζομαι (summerizomai) /soom-mer-id’-zom-ahee/ – to share with See G4829

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative, Indicative
• Person: Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present Active: συγκοινωνέω (I am sharing with)
• Aorist Active: συνεκοινώνησα (I shared with)
• Present Imperative: συγκοινωνεῖτε (share with!)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both positive and negative contexts of fellowship. Thayer’s notes its usage in participation with others. LSJ traces its classical usage for shared experiences. Vine’s highlights its significance in Christian fellowship. Strong’s connects it to joint participation. LEH notes similar compounds in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in partnership contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Ephesians 5:11: “And have no fellowship [συγκοινωνέω] with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Additional References:
Philippians 4:14
Revelation 18:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συγκοινωνέω powerfully illustrates both the privileges and responsibilities of Christian fellowship. It reminds us that the good news of King Jesus calls us to careful discernment in our associations while encouraging deep participation in the sufferings and joys of His body.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in both the most positive and negative contexts of fellowship
• It was used in ancient business partnerships documents
• Early church writers used it to discuss church discipline and unity

Strong’s G4790: A compound verb meaning “to partake with, to share in, to have fellowship with.” From σύν (with) and κοινωνέω (to share). Used in both positive contexts of sharing in affliction and negative contexts warning against participation in evil, emphasizing the profound implications of spiritual fellowship.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fellowship, participation, sharing, communion, partnership, spiritual-discernment, christian-unity, paul, revelation, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, church-discipline​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​