### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **koinós**, represented by `{{G2839}}`, carries the meaning of **common**. It appears **12 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. This term can literally describe something shared by all or several people, but it is also used ceremonially to denote what is profane, defiled, or unclean.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G2839}}` is used in two distinct contexts. First, it describes the shared life of the early believers, who "had all things **common**" ([[Acts 2:44]], [[Acts 4:32]]). This idea extends to spiritual realities, including the "**common** faith" [[Titus 1:4]] and "**common** salvation" [[Jude 1:3]]. Second, the word signifies ceremonial impurity. Peter declares he has never eaten anything that is "**common** or unclean" [[Acts 10:14]], a belief God corrects by teaching him not to call any man "**common**" [[Acts 10:28]]. This meaning is also used for eating bread with **defiled** hands [[Mark 7:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of ritual and moral purity:
* `{{G169}}` **akáthartos** (foul, unclean): This term appears directly with `{{G2839}}` to emphasize impurity, as when Peter refuses to eat anything "**common** or **unclean**" [[Acts 11:8]].
* `{{G111}}` **athémitos** (abominable, unlawful thing): This word describes the Jewish view that it was an **unlawful thing** to associate with a person of another nation, a barrier that is addressed in the same context as calling a person **common** [[Acts 10:28]].
* `{{G449}}` **ániptos** (unwashen): This term is used to explain the meaning of `{{G2839}}` in [[Mark 7:2]], where eating with **defiled** hands is specified as eating with **unwashen** hands.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2839}}` is significant, highlighting key transitions in the New Covenant.
* **Christian Fellowship and Shared Life:** The use of **koinós** to describe the early church's shared possessions [[Acts 4:32]] and the "**common** salvation" [[Jude 1:3]] establishes a foundational principle of unity and community among believers.
* **Ceremonial Purity Redefined:** Through Peter's vision, God redefines what is considered **common** or **unclean**, effectively removing the ceremonial barriers that separated Jews from other nations [[Acts 10:28]]. Paul builds on this, teaching that nothing is **unclean** of itself [[Romans 14:14]].
* **The Sanctity of the New Covenant:** Hebrews uses the word in its most severe sense, warning that counting the sanctifying blood of the covenant as an **unholy thing** `{{G2839}}` is a grave offense deserving of punishment [[Hebrews 10:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2839}}` **koinós** holds a critical dual meaning. It expresses the positive ideal of a shared, **common** life and faith that characterized the early church. At the same time, it is used to navigate the concepts of ritual impurity, marking the shift from Old Covenant law to New Covenant grace. The word ultimately serves as a powerful reminder of both the unity believers share and the profound holiness of Christ's sacrifice, which should never be treated as **common**.
TRV