### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κοινωνέω (koinōnéō), `{{G2841}}`, derives from the noun κοινωνός (koinōnos), `{{G2844}}`, meaning "partner," "sharer," or "companion." At its core, κοινωνέω signifies the act of sharing, participating, or having fellowship with another or others. Its semantic range encompasses both active and passive dimensions of sharing:
1. **Active Sharing/Giving:** To impart, distribute, or contribute something to others. This often involves material resources, as seen in the sense of "distributing to the needs of the saints" [[Romans 12:13]] or "communicating" (sharing finances) with a minister [[Philippians 4:15]].
2. **Passive Sharing/Receiving/Participating:** To partake in, have a share in, or be a participant in something. This can refer to sharing in spiritual blessings [[Romans 15:27]], the sufferings of Christ [[1 Peter 4:13]], or even the nature of humanity [[Hebrews 2:14]].
The term implies a mutual relationship and a commonality of interest or experience, moving beyond mere association to active involvement and reciprocal contribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κοινωνέω appears several times in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* In [[Romans 12:13]], believers are exhorted to "distribute to the needs of the saints," emphasizing practical generosity and mutual support within the Christian community. This highlights the active sense of sharing material blessings.
* [[Romans 15:27]] speaks of the Gentiles "having shared in [the Jews'] spiritual blessings" and therefore being obligated to "minister to them also in carnal things." Here, κοινωνέω describes both the reception of spiritual truth and the reciprocal obligation to share material aid, underscoring the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical fellowship.
* [[Galatians 6:6]] instructs, "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of the taught to provide for their teachers, again illustrating the active sharing of material resources in support of spiritual ministry.
* In [[Philippians 4:15]], Paul commends the Philippians for being the only church that "communicated concerning giving and receiving" with him. This clearly refers to their financial support, demonstrating a partnership in the gospel through material provision.
* The concept extends to spiritual realities in [[Hebrews 2:14]], where it is stated that since the children "have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same." Here, κοινωνέω describes Christ's full identification with humanity by taking on a human nature.
* Furthermore, κοινωνέω can denote participation in suffering or sin. [[1 Timothy 5:22]] warns Timothy not to "partake in the sins of others," highlighting the ethical imperative to avoid complicity. Similarly, [[1 Peter 4:13]] encourages believers to "rejoice insofar as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings," connecting present trials with future glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of κοινωνέω is rich and interconnected with several key New Testament terms:
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia), `{{G2842}}`:** The noun form, meaning "fellowship," "communion," "partnership," or "sharing." This is perhaps the most significant related word, as κοινωνέω describes the *action* or *experience* of κοινωνία. For example, believers *engage in* κοινωνέω to realize κοινωνία.
* **κοινωνός (koinōnos), `{{G2844}}`:** The root noun, meaning "partner," "sharer," or "companion." This refers to the *person* who shares or is in fellowship.
* **μετέχω (metechō), `{{G3348}}`:** To partake, share in, or have a share. While similar, μετέχω often emphasizes merely "having a share" or "being a part of" something, without necessarily implying the active mutual participation or deep fellowship inherent in κοινωνέω.
* **συμμετέχω (symmetechō), `{{G4830}}`:** To be a fellow partaker. This compound intensifies the idea of joint participation.
* **Concepts:** The word κοινωνέω is foundational to understanding biblical concepts such as Christian generosity, mutual aid, the unity of the body of Christ, and the believer's identification with Christ in both His suffering and glory.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κοινωνέω is profound, shaping our understanding of Christian life, community, and relationship with Christ:
* **Foundation of Christian Fellowship:** κοινωνέω describes the practical outworking of κοινωνία, the deep fellowship that binds believers together. It underscores that Christian community is not merely a gathering of individuals but a dynamic partnership characterized by mutual giving and receiving, both spiritually and materially.
* **Participation in Christ:** The word highlights the believer's intimate union with Christ. To "partake" in Christ's sufferings means to share in His redemptive work and experience the refining process that leads to glory [[1 Peter 4:13]]. Similarly, Christ's "partaking" in human flesh and blood [[Hebrews 2:14]] speaks to the Incarnation and His full identification with humanity for salvation.
* **Ethical Responsibility and Generosity:** The repeated use of κοινωνέω in contexts of material sharing (e.g., [[Romans 12:13]], [[Galatians 6:6]], [[Philippians 4:15]]) elevates generosity from a mere act of charity to an essential expression of Christian fellowship and stewardship. It implies a moral obligation to share resources with those in need within the body of Christ and with those who minister the Word.
* **Avoiding Complicity in Sin:** The warning in [[1 Timothy 5:22]] against "partaking in the sins of others" reveals the ethical dimension of κοινωνέω. It calls believers to discernment and purity, emphasizing that our actions and associations have spiritual consequences, and we are accountable for our participation, or lack thereof, in unrighteousness.
### Summary
κοινωνέω (`{{G2841}}`) is a vital New Testament verb signifying to share, participate, or have fellowship. Rooted in the concept of partnership, it describes both the active giving of resources (material or spiritual) and the passive reception or experience of a common state or blessing. Its usage across various contexts illuminates the practical and profound dimensions of Christian life: it underscores the essential nature of mutual support and generosity within the body of Christ, reveals the deep spiritual union of believers with Christ in His sufferings and glory, and calls for ethical discernment to avoid complicity in sin. Ultimately, κοινωνέω paints a picture of an interdependent community bound by common faith and actively engaged in the shared life and mission of the Gospel.
TRV