### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κοινός (koinós, `{{G2839}}`) derives, as its base definition suggests, probably from σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together." This etymological root immediately points to its primary literal meaning: that which is shared, common, public, or belonging to all or several. It denotes something that is not private or exclusive.
However, κοινός possesses a crucial secondary, ceremonial, and often negative semantic range within biblical contexts. In this sense, it describes that which is "common" in the sense of being ordinary, unholy, or ritually impure, particularly in contrast to what is sacred (ἅγιος, `{{G40}}`) or ritually clean (καθαρός, `{{G2513}}`). This meaning is deeply embedded in Jewish purity laws, where certain things, people, or actions were considered κοινός (common/profane/defiled) and thus unfit for sacred use or contact. Therefore, the word can signify either shared community or ritual defilement, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The dual meaning of κοινός is evident across the New Testament:
1. **Shared/Common/Public:**
* In the early church, κοινός describes the communal life of believers. [[Acts 2:44]] and [[Acts 4:32]] state that the early Christians "had all things common" (εἶχον ἅπαντα κοινά), referring to their shared possessions and resources, exemplifying radical generosity and unity.
* The term also describes a shared spiritual reality. Paul refers to "our common faith" (κοινῆς πίστεως) in [[Titus 1:4]], indicating a faith held universally by all believers. Similarly, Jude exhorts believers to contend for "our common salvation" (κοινῆς σωτηρίας) in [[Jude 1:3]], emphasizing the shared nature of redemption.
2. **Profane/Unclean/Defiled:** This is perhaps the more theologically significant usage, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, where it challenges traditional Jewish purity concepts.
* In [[Mark 7:2]] and [[Mark 7:5]], the Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for eating with "defiled hands" (κοιναῖς χερσίν). Here, κοινός refers to hands that are not ritually washed according to tradition, making them common or profane in a ceremonial sense. Jesus uses this occasion to challenge the superficiality of such external purity rules.
* The most pivotal occurrences are in [[Acts 10:14]], [[Acts 10:28]], and [[Acts 11:8]], where Peter, in his vision, refuses to eat animals he considers κοινός (common/unclean). God's response, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (ἃ ὁ Θεὸς ἐκαθάρισεν σὺ μὴ κοίνου), is a watershed moment. It signals the abrogation of Old Covenant dietary laws and, more profoundly, the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes. The distinction between Jew and Gentile, previously marked by purity laws, is declared null and void by divine decree.
* Paul echoes this sentiment in [[Romans 14:14]], declaring, "I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself" (οὐδὲν κοινὸν δι' ἑαυτοῦ). This statement, made in the context of food regulations, reaffirms the New Covenant's freedom from ceremonial distinctions and emphasizes the role of conscience.
* A stark warning appears in [[Hebrews 10:29]], where the author speaks of one who has "counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified as common" (κοινὸν ἡγησάμενος τὸ αἷμα τῆς διαθήκης). To consider Christ's sacrificial blood as κοινός is to treat it as ordinary, profane, or lacking unique, sacred power, thereby despising the very means of salvation. This highlights the extreme danger of apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
κοινός stands in direct contrast to several key biblical terms:
* ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`): Holy, sacred, set apart for God. The antithesis of κοινός in its "unclean" sense.
* καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`): Clean, pure, ceremonially undefiled.
* ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos, `{{G169}}`): Unclean, impure, often used interchangeably with κοινός in the context of ritual defilement (e.g., [[Acts 10:14]]).
* βέβηλος (bebelos, `{{G952}}`): Profane, unholy, accessible to all, often implying a violation of sacred space or reverence.
Conversely, κοινός in its "shared" meaning is closely related to:
* κοινωνία (koinonia, `{{G2842}}`): Fellowship, participation, communion, sharing. This noun directly flows from the concept of κοινός as something shared.
* κοινωνός (koinonos, `{{G2844}}`): Partner, sharer, participant.
These terms collectively highlight the communal nature of the Christian faith, where believers share a common life, faith, and salvation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κοινός is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Redefinition of Purity and Holiness:** The use of κοινός in the context of Peter's vision and Paul's teachings (Acts 10, Romans 14) marks a radical shift from Old Covenant ceremonial purity to New Covenant spiritual purity. God's declaration that what He has cleansed is no longer κοινός (unclean) dismantled the external barriers that separated Jew from Gentile and redefined what was acceptable in His sight. True defilement, as Jesus taught, comes from within ([[Mark 7:15, 20-23]]), not from external contact with ritually "common" things.
2. **Inclusion of the Gentiles:** κοινός is central to understanding the theological basis for Gentile inclusion in the early church. By declaring all foods clean and, by extension, all people acceptable to God through faith in Christ, the concept of a "common" or "unclean" Gentile was abolished. This paved the way for the universal spread of the Gospel.
3. **Unity and Fellowship in Christ:** In its positive sense, κοινός underscores the profound unity and shared experience of all believers. The "common faith" and "common salvation" bind believers together, transcending social, ethnic, and cultural distinctions. This shared reality forms the basis for κοινωνία (fellowship), where believers participate together in the life of Christ and the mission of the church.
4. **The Sacredness of Christ's Sacrifice:** The warning in [[Hebrews 10:29]] highlights the unique and utterly sacred nature of Christ's atoning blood. To treat it as κοινός is to deny its divine efficacy, to profane the ultimate act of God's redemptive love, and to incur severe judgment. This usage emphasizes the absolute distinction between the sacred and the profane, particularly concerning the core tenets of Christian faith.
### Summary
The Greek word κοινός (koinós, `{{G2839}}`) carries a rich semantic range, signifying both "common" or "shared" and "profane" or "unclean." In its positive sense, it highlights the communal life and shared spiritual blessings of believers, such as a "common faith" and "common salvation," leading to deep fellowship (κοινωνία). Theologically, this aspect underscores the unity of the church in Christ. In its negative, ceremonial sense, κοινός refers to that which is ritually impure or unholy according to Jewish law. Its usage in [[Acts 10]] is particularly pivotal, as God's declaration that what He has cleansed should not be called κοινός (unclean) fundamentally redefines purity, abolishes Old Covenant dietary restrictions, and provides the theological foundation for the full inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community. Finally, the severe warning in [[Hebrews 10:29]] against treating Christ's blood as κοινός powerfully reinforces the unique and sacred nature of His atoning sacrifice. Thus, κοινός is a word that encapsulates both the unifying power of shared faith and the radical redefinition of holiness in the New Covenant.
TRV