Word Study for G2841 (κοινωνέω)

koinōnéō /koy-no-neh'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom κοινωνός

Meaningto share with others (objectively or subjectively)

KJV usagecommunicate, distribute, be partaker.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of koinōnéō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word koinōnéō, represented by G2841, is a verb meaning to share with others. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The definition, "from κοινωνός; to share with others (objectively or subjectively):--communicate, distribute, be partaker," indicates a broad concept that encompasses sharing in experiences, providing material support, and participating in the consequences of actions, whether good or evil.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G2841 is used in several key contexts. It describes the act of partaking in a shared nature or experience, such as when believers are called to rejoice as partakers of Christ's sufferings 1 Peter 4:13 or when Christ himself became a partaker of flesh and blood Hebrews 2:14. The term also functions as a command for tangible support within the community, such as distributing to the necessity of the saints Romans 12:13 and for one who is taught in the word to communicate with their teacher in all good things Galatians 6:6. Conversely, it carries a strong warning against negative association, urging believers not to be a partaker of other men's sins 1 Timothy 5:22 or evil deeds 2 John 1:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of sharing and participation:

G3804 páthēma (suffering): This word defines the hardship or pain that believers are called to share with Christ. Believers are to rejoice in being partakers of Christ's sufferings 1 Peter 4:13.
G5532 chreía (necessity, need): This term identifies the specific lack or requirement that prompts the act of sharing. Believers are instructed in distributing to the necessity of the saints Romans 12:13.
G1394 dósis (giving): This word for a giving is used in the context of financial partnership, highlighting the tangible nature of "communicating." The Philippian church was the only one to share with Paul concerning giving and receiving Philippians 4:15.
G266 hamartía (a sin): This word defines the negative element one must avoid sharing in. Believers are warned not to be a partaker of other men's sins 1 Timothy 5:22.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2841 is significant, connecting spiritual union with practical action.

Shared Identity: The word establishes a profound connection between Christ and believers. By becoming a partaker of flesh and blood, Christ identified with humanity Hebrews 2:14. In turn, believers are called to be partakers of His sufferings, which leads to rejoicing in His glory 1 Peter 4:13.
Mutual Support and Fellowship: G2841 underscores the responsibility of believers to support one another. This includes distributing to the material necessity of the saints Romans 12:13 and financially supporting those who teach the word Galatians 6:6. This mutual support extends between different communities, as when the Gentiles, having been made partakers of spiritual things, had a duty to minister to the Jewish believers in carnal things Romans 15:27.
Spiritual Purity and Accountability: The term carries a stern warning about the dangers of association. Believers are commanded not to be partaker in the sins of others 1 Timothy 5:22 or to bid "God speed" to those with evil deeds, lest they become a partaker in them 2 John 1:11.

Summary

In summary, G2841 moves beyond a simple notion of sharing to describe a deep, multifaceted participation. It encompasses the believer's shared identity with Christ in both his humanity and his sufferings, the tangible and financial support that binds the church together, and the critical need for moral discernment to avoid partaking in sin. The word powerfully illustrates how spiritual fellowship is demonstrated through concrete actions of giving, sharing, and holy living.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Perfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
Present Active Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 8 verses across 7 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Romans (2 verses); never once in the other 20.

Romans

Galatians

Philippians

1 Timothy

Hebrews

1 Peter

2 John

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.