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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like μετοχή (metochē) is essential for biblical studies, as they often carry deeper meanings that enhance interpretation. Metochē first appears in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where the Apostle Paul uses it to emphasize the concept of partnership or participation. This word plays a significant role in understanding the idea of fellowship or association, both in the context of human relationships and spiritual connections. In the New Testament, it specifically addresses moral and spiritual unity or division, making it vital for interpreting teachings about partnership in righteousness versus unrighteousness. In ancient Greek culture, metochē was also used to describe shared ventures and communal relationships, thus having both social and theological implications.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετοχή (metochē, pronounced meh-toh-KHAY)

Etymology: The root of μετοχή is from “μετά” (meta-), meaning “with” or “among,” and “ἔχω” (echō), meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Combined, the word suggests “having with” or “sharing with,” which aligns with its meaning of fellowship or participation.

Part of Speech: μετοχή is a feminine noun, referring to the act of sharing, partnership, or fellowship. It conveys the idea of participating in something with another person or group, often with a spiritual or moral connotation.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Partnership or fellowship. This is the primary meaning of μετοχή, denoting an association or union with others in a shared activity or purpose. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul warns against entering into partnerships with unbelievers, as righteousness and unrighteousness cannot coexist.

Meaning 2: Participation. Metochē can also imply active involvement or participation in a specific action or responsibility. It suggests more than a passive connection but an active role in what is shared or done together.

Meaning 3: Communion or shared involvement. In some contexts, metochē can also refer to spiritual communion, especially in terms of the relationship between believers and Christ, or between believers themselves in a faith community.

Exploring Similar Words

κοινωνία (koinōnia, pronounced koy-no-NEE-ah): This word is often translated as “fellowship” and carries a similar meaning to μετοχή, focusing on shared participation and communion, especially in a spiritual sense. However, koinōnia often emphasizes the community aspect more broadly.

μετέχω (metechō, pronounced meh-TEH-kho): Meaning “to partake” or “to share in,” this verb is closely related to μετοχή and emphasizes the act of participating or taking part in something.

συγκοινωνός (synkoinōnos, pronounced soon-koy-no-NOS): This word means “partner” or “sharer” and is used to describe someone who shares in an activity or responsibility, often used in a business or labor context.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As a feminine noun, μετοχή follows the first declension pattern in Greek. It can appear in various cases, depending on its function in a sentence.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to multiple Greek lexicons, μετοχή carries the idea of a partnership or fellowship, particularly emphasizing shared responsibility or joint participation. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul’s usage of metochē contrasts the idea of believers being united with unbelievers, underscoring that such a partnership is incompatible with righteousness. Theologically, it reflects the broader New Testament theme of being “yoked” with those of like faith and avoiding alliances that could corrupt or compromise one’s walk with God. In classical contexts, the term also described various kinds of civic and social partnerships, reflecting its broader cultural usage.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership [μετοχή] has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
• Hebrews 3:14: “For we have come to share [μετοχή] in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
• Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share [μετοχή] in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μετοχή, meaning partnership or fellowship, is pivotal in understanding key New Testament teachings about the spiritual unity between believers and the importance of avoiding corrupt associations. Paul’s warning in 2 Corinthians 6:14 not to be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers is deeply tied to this word, emphasizing the incompatibility of righteousness and lawlessness in any form of partnership. In classical Greek, the word also carried significant social and civic implications, often used to describe joint ventures or partnerships in public affairs. In a spiritual context, metochē draws attention to the importance of shared moral and theological commitments in any form of partnership.

Did You Know?

• The root of μετοχή, meta- (meaning “with”) is also found in other common Greek words like metanoia (repentance) and metamorphosis (transformation), showing how many Greek words are based on the idea of change or connection.
• Metochē was a term often used in business contexts in ancient Greece, referring to the sharing of profits or resources in joint ventures.
• The concept of metochē in 2 Corinthians 6:14 is often discussed alongside the Hebrew concept of havurah, a fellowship or association bound by a shared moral or religious purpose.