Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies offers deeper insights into the context and meanings behind New Testament teachings. The Greek word κοινωνός (koinōnos) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of partnership, fellowship, or being a companion. This term, appearing in Matthew 23:30, reflects the communal and participatory aspects of early Christian life, where believers were called to share in both the blessings and challenges of their faith community. Understanding koinōnos helps us see how the early church viewed relationships and commitments within the body of Christ, as well as how these concepts connect with ancient Greek cultural values of fellowship and association.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κοινωνός, transliterated as koinōnos [koy-NOH-nos].

Etymology: The term koinōnos is derived from the root word koinos (κοινός), which means “common” or “shared.” This root is foundational to many related words in Greek, such as koinonia (κοινωνία), meaning “fellowship” or “communion,” and koinonikos (κοινωνικός), meaning “generous” or “inclined to share.” The idea behind these words is a sense of commonality, partnership, and shared life.

Part of Speech: Noun. Koinōnos is a masculine noun and describes a person who is a partner, sharer, or companion. It functions as a substantive noun, identifying individuals who participate in or share something with others.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Partner: One who participates in a shared venture or relationship, such as in business, faith, or marriage.
2. Companion: A person who accompanies or associates with another, often in a supportive or collaborative role.
3. Sharer: Someone who has a share in something, like experiences, possessions, or responsibilities.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κοινωνία (koinonia) [koy-no-NEE-ah]: Refers to “fellowship” or “communion.” While koinōnos describes the individual as a partner or sharer, koinonia emphasizes the state or activity of sharing.
2. συγκοινωνός (sygkoinōnos) [soong-koy-NOH-nos]: Means “fellow-partaker” or “joint participant.” It has a similar meaning to koinōnos but highlights a deeper level of joint participation or collaboration.
3. μέτοχος (metochos) [MEH-toh-khos]: Translated as “partner” or “partaker.” This word is used more in the sense of sharing in a specific attribute or experience, such as being “partakers of a heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1), whereas koinōnos is broader in its application.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Koinōnos is a second-declension masculine noun. It changes its form based on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural) to indicate its function in a sentence.

Declension: Below is a declension table for koinōnos in the singular and plural forms:

For more information on Greek nouns and their declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word koinōnos appears frequently in discussions about fellowship, partnership, and participation within the New Testament and classical Greek texts. In the New Testament, it emphasizes the relational aspect of Christian living, where believers are seen as co-participants in the work of the Gospel, in suffering, and in sharing both material and spiritual blessings. In classical contexts, koinōnos was also used to describe business partners, associates, or companions in various ventures. Theologically, the term is significant because it points to the shared life and mutual responsibilities among Christians. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 23:30: “And say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been [partners] [κοινωνοὶ] with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'”
2. 1 Corinthians 10:18: “Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices [participate] [κοινωνοὶ] in the altar?”
3. 2 Corinthians 8:23: “As for Titus, he is my partner [κοινωνὸς] and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Koinōnos is a crucial word in the New Testament that emphasizes the participatory nature of Christian life. It provides insight into how early Christians viewed their relationship with one another and with God—as one of partnership and shared responsibility. The term, while rooted in classical Greek culture, gains unique theological importance in the New Testament, where it highlights the unity, fellowship, and cooperation expected among believers.

Did You Know?

1. The term koinōnos is closely related to koinonia, often translated as “fellowship” or “communion,” and is foundational in discussions about Christian community life.
2. In classical Greek philosophy, koinōnos described both ethical and business relationships, indicating mutual participation.
3. The New Testament uses koinōnos not just to speak about sharing good things but also about sharing in suffering and hardships for the sake of the Gospel.