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 word **koinōnía**, represented by `{{G2842}}`, defines a rich concept of **partnership** and **fellowship**. It appears **20 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning extends beyond simple social interaction to include literal **participation**, spiritual **communion**, and tangible **benefaction** or **distribution**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2842}}` is used to describe the believer's core relationship with God and others. Believers are called into the **fellowship** of His **Son** `{{G5207}}`, Jesus Christ our **Lord** `{{G2962}}` [[1 Corinthians 1:9]]. This divine partnership is the basis for human partnership; when we **walk** `{{G4043}}` in the **light** `{{G5457}}`, we have **fellowship** one with another [[1 John 1:7]]. The early church embodied this by continuing steadfastly in the apostles' **doctrine** `{{G1322}}` and **fellowship** [[Acts 2:42]]. The term also carries a practical, financial dimension, as seen in the **contribution** made for the **poor** `{{G4434}}` **saints** `{{G40}}` [[Romans 15:26]] and the instruction "to **communicate** forget not" [[Hebrews 13:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of partnership and shared life:
* `{{G1248}}` **diakonía** (attendance... aid... service): This word is linked to the practical expression of fellowship, as seen in the "fellowship of the **ministering** to the **saints**" [[2 Corinthians 8:4]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (a spirit... the Holy Spirit): This highlights the source of spiritual unity, as in the "**fellowship** of the **Spirit**" [[Philippians 2:1]] and the "**communion** of the Holy **Ghost**" [[2 Corinthians 13:14]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood... the atoning blood of Christ): This term points to the foundation of Christian communion, established through the "**communion** of the **blood** of Christ" [[1 Corinthians 10:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2842}}` is immense, defining the believer's relationship with God and the church.
* **Divine and Human Partnership:** `{{G2842}}` establishes that true **fellowship** is firstly with the Father and His **Son** `{{G5207}}` Jesus Christ [[1 John 1:3]]. Claiming this divine **fellowship** while walking in **darkness** `{{G4655}}` is impossible [[1 John 1:6]].
* **Sacrificial Participation:** The term involves sharing in the life of Christ, which includes both the **power** `{{G1411}}` of His resurrection and the **fellowship** of His **sufferings** `{{G3804}}` [[Philippians 3:10]]. This is symbolized in the **communion** of the **body** `{{G4983}}` and **blood** `{{G129}}` of Christ [[1 Corinthians 10:16]].
* **Tangible Generosity:** Christian **fellowship** is demonstrated through material sharing. It is described as a "liberal **distribution**" that brings glory to God [[2 Corinthians 9:13]] and a form of **communication** that is considered a **sacrifice** `{{G2378}}` with which God is well pleased [[Hebrews 13:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2842}}` is a cornerstone of Christian experience. It signifies far more than social company, describing a profound spiritual **communion** with the Father, Son, and Holy **Spirit**; a shared life and **fellowship** with other believers; and a practical partnership demonstrated through tangible acts of **distribution** and support. The word illustrates that true faith integrates spiritual union with practical, generous action.
TRV