from κοινωνός; partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction:--(to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κοινωνία (koinōnía, `{{G2842}}`) is derived from the adjective κοινωνός (koinōnos, `{{G2844}}`), which signifies "partner," "sharer," or "one who has a share in something." Fundamentally, κοινωνία denotes the state or act of sharing in common, participation, or fellowship. Its semantic range is exceptionally rich, encompassing several vital dimensions:
1. **Participation/Sharing:** This refers to the act of partaking in something, whether it be an activity, an experience, or a resource. It implies a joint involvement or a common stake.
2. **Fellowship/Communion:** This is perhaps the most frequent translation, emphasizing a profound relational bond characterized by mutual participation and shared life. It speaks to a common identity, purpose, and spiritual connection that fosters unity.
3. **Contribution/Distribution:** In a more concrete sense, κοινωνία can refer to the sharing of material resources, a collection, or an act of giving for the benefit of others. It highlights practical solidarity and generosity.
4. **Communication/Intercourse:** While less common in contemporary translations, the term can also imply a sharing of thoughts, ideas, or spiritual realities, facilitating mutual understanding and intimacy.
In essence, κοινωνία transcends mere association, signifying a substantive, active participation and mutual sharing that binds individuals together, whether with God, with Christ, or with one another. It speaks to a deep, reciprocal relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κοινωνία appears frequently throughout the New Testament, illuminating its profound significance for early Christian life and theology. Its diverse usage reveals various facets of Christian existence:
* **Fellowship with God and Christ:** A foundational aspect of κοινωνία is the believer's intimate relationship with the Divine. Paul speaks of being called into "fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" ([[1 Corinthians 1:9]]), signifying a shared life, purpose, and destiny with the risen Christ. The Apostle John declares that the gospel message is proclaimed "so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ" ([[1 John 1:3]]). He further states that if we walk in the light, "we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" ([[1 John 1:7]]), implying that vertical fellowship with God enables horizontal fellowship among believers.
* **Fellowship within the Church:** κοινωνία describes the essential nature of the early Christian community. In [[Acts 2:42]], the believers are depicted as devoting themselves to "the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Here, κοινωνία refers to the corporate life of the nascent Church, characterized by mutual sharing, spiritual unity, and common purpose. This fellowship is not merely social but deeply spiritual, rooted in their shared faith and the indwelling Spirit. Paul also refers to the "right hand of fellowship" extended to him by James, Cephas, and John, signifying their acceptance and shared mission ([[Galatians 2:9]]).
* **Participation in the Gospel and Suffering:** κοινωνία extends to a shared commitment to the gospel mission and a willingness to partake in its associated challenges. Paul thanks the Philippians for their "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" ([[Philippians 1:5]]), indicating their active involvement and support. He also expresses his desire to know Christ and "the fellowship of his sufferings" ([[Philippians 3:10]]), highlighting a profound identification with Christ's redemptive work, even unto suffering.
* **Sharing of Material Resources:** The term also denotes practical acts of sharing and generosity within the Christian community. Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their willingness to participate in a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, referring to it as their "share in the relief of the saints" ([[2 Corinthians 8:4]]) or their "contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem" ([[Romans 15:26]]). This demonstrates that κοινωνία is not merely an abstract spiritual concept but has tangible implications for how believers steward their resources and care for one another. The offering itself is called a "fellowship" or "sharing" ([[2 Corinthians 9:13]]).
* **Communion in the Lord's Supper:** In [[1 Corinthians 10:16]], Paul asks, "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" Here, κοινωνία (translated as "participation" or "communion") underscores the profound spiritual reality of partaking in the Lord's Supper, where believers are mystically united with Christ and with one another through the shared elements.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of κοινωνία is significantly enriched by its relationship to other pivotal Greek terms and theological ideas:
* κοινωνός (koinōnos, `{{G2844}}`): As the root adjective, koinōnos means "partner," "sharer," or "companion." It describes the *person* who engages in κοινωνία. For example, believers are "partakers of the divine nature" ([[2 Peter 1:4]]) or "partners" in the gospel ([[Philippians 1:7]]).
* μετέχω (metechō, `{{G3348}}`): This verb means "to share in," "to partake of," or "to have a share." While similar in meaning to the verbal implications of κοινωνία, metechō often emphasizes the act of partaking in something specific, such as food or an experience, whereas κοινωνία frequently denotes the *state* of fellowship or the *result* of sharing.
* συνεργός (synergos, `{{G4900}}`): Meaning "fellow worker" or "co-worker," this term highlights active collaboration in a shared task, often in the context of ministry. While synergos emphasizes working *together*, κοινωνία emphasizes being *together* in shared life and purpose, often leading to synergistic work.
* **Unity (ἑνότης, henótēs):** κοινωνία is the practical outworking of Christian unity. The shared life and purpose inherent in κοινωνία foster and express the spiritual unity that Christ desires for His Church ([[Ephesians 4:3]]).
* **Love (ἀγάπη, agápē):** Christian κοινωνία is fundamentally animated by agápē. It is through self-giving love that believers are able to truly share their lives, resources, and burdens with one another.
* **Service (διακονία, diakonía):** The practical dimension of κοινωνία, particularly in terms of sharing resources and ministering to needs, aligns closely with the concept of diakonía, or humble service.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κοινωνία is profound and pervasive, touching upon the very nature of God, the Church, and the Christian life:
1. **The Triune God as κοινωνία:** Although the term itself is not directly applied to the Trinity in Scripture, the concept of mutual indwelling, perfect love, and shared life within the Godhead provides the ultimate paradigm for κοινωνία. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in eternal, perfect fellowship, offering a divine model for all human κοινωνία.
2. **Union with Christ:** At the heart of Christian experience is the κοινωνία with Jesus Christ. Through faith, believers are united with Him in His death, resurrection, and life ([[Romans 6:3-5]]). This union means a shared identity, shared destiny, and shared spiritual resources, enabling believers to participate in His divine nature ([[2 Peter 1:4]]) and His redemptive work.
3. **The Nature of the Church:** κοινωνία defines the very essence of the Church as the Body of Christ. It is a community bound together not merely by common interests but by a shared life in Christ and the Holy Spirit. This fellowship transcends social, economic, and ethnic barriers, creating a new humanity where mutual love, support, and shared mission are paramount. The Church is called to embody this κοινωνία as a witness to the world.
4. **The Work of the Holy Spirit:** The Holy Spirit is the enabling agent of κοινωνία. Paul speaks of "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" ([[2 Corinthians 13:14]]), indicating that the Spirit creates and sustains the bond between believers and between believers and God. The Spirit empowers believers to share their gifts, resources, and lives for the common good and for the glory of God.
5. **Practical Outworking of Faith:** κοινωνία is not merely a theological concept but a call to practical living. It mandates a life of active participation, mutual responsibility, and generous sharing within the Christian community. This includes sharing the gospel, sharing material possessions, sharing burdens, and sharing in the sufferings of Christ. It transforms individualistic faith into communal discipleship.
6. **Eschatological Hope:** The ultimate κοινωνία awaits believers in the consummation of God's kingdom, where full and unhindered fellowship with God and with one another will be realized in the new heavens and new earth.
### Summary
The Greek word κοινωνία (koinōnía, `{{G2842}}`) is a multifaceted and profoundly significant term in the New Testament, encapsulating the essence of Christian life and community. Its core meaning revolves around active participation, mutual sharing, and deep relational fellowship. From the intimate union with God and Christ to the practical sharing of resources among believers, κοινωνία describes the dynamic, Spirit-empowered bond that defines the Church. It is not merely a social gathering but a spiritual reality rooted in shared life, shared purpose, and shared destiny in Christ. This concept underscores the call to live out our faith in tangible ways, fostering unity, love, and service within the Body of Christ, reflecting the very nature of the Triune God. As such, κοινωνία is indispensable for understanding the relational and communal dimensions of Christian discipleship.
TRV