### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μετέχω (metéchō, `{{G3348}}`) is a compound formed from the preposition μετά (metá, "with" or "among") and the verb ἔχω (echō, "to have" or "to hold"). This etymology immediately reveals its core meaning: "to have with," "to hold with," or "to share in." It denotes participation, taking a part of something, or having a share in an activity, state, or substance. The semantic range extends from literal physical sharing (e.g., eating or drinking) to more abstract concepts like partaking in a nature, a calling, or a divine discipline. It implies a connection where one receives from or is involved in something external, thus becoming a "partaker" or one who "pertains" to it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μετέχω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and Hebrews, with one significant use in 2 Peter. Each instance illuminates a facet of its meaning:
* **1 Corinthians 9:10, 12:** Here, the word describes the right of those who work in the temple to "partake" of its provisions, and by analogy, the right of apostles to "partake" of financial support from those they serve. It signifies a rightful share in material benefits.
* **1 Corinthians 10:17, 21, 30:** In this crucial passage concerning idolatry and the Lord's Supper, μετέχω is used to describe participation in the "one bread," signifying unity in Christ's body. Conversely, it warns against "partaking" in the table of demons, highlighting the exclusive nature of allegiance to Christ. Here, it denotes deep spiritual identification and communion.
* **Hebrews 2:14:** This verse states that since the children "have partaken" (perfect tense) of flesh and blood, Jesus Himself likewise "partook" (aorist tense) of the same. This is a profound statement on the Incarnation, emphasizing Christ's full and genuine sharing in humanity, including its mortality.
* **Hebrews 5:13:** Describes those who are "unskilled in the word of righteousness" as infants who "partake" only of milk, not solid food. Here, it refers to receiving or consuming spiritual nourishment.
* **Hebrews 7:13:** Speaking of Christ's priesthood, it notes that He "partakes" of a different tribe (Judah) from the Levitical priesthood. This highlights a factual belonging or origin.
* **Hebrews 12:10:** This verse contrasts earthly fathers disciplining for a short time for their own pleasure, with God disciplining us "for our profit, that we may partake of His holiness." This is a key theological application, indicating that divine discipline is a means by which believers come to share in God's holy character.
* **2 Peter 1:4:** Perhaps one of the most significant uses, it declares that through God's precious and magnificent promises, believers "may become partakers of the divine nature." This points to a transformative participation in the very character and attributes of God, distinct from His essence, yet profoundly real.
### Related Words & Concepts
μετέχω stands in close semantic proximity to several other Greek words that convey aspects of sharing, fellowship, and participation:
* κοινωνέω (koinoneō, `{{G2841}}`): "to have fellowship, to share in common." While μετέχω often emphasizes receiving a *part* of something, κοινωνέω tends to highlight the *mutuality* of sharing and the *communion* that results. One might μετέχω in a benefit, while κοινωνέω describes the relationship of those who share.
* κοινωνία (koinonia, `{{G2842}}`): "fellowship, partnership, participation." This noun often describes the state or act of sharing, whether in the gospel, in suffering, or in material goods. μετέχω describes the action of becoming a κοινωνός (koinonos, `{{G2844}}`, "sharer, partner").
* μέρος (meros, `{{G3313}}`): "a part, a share." This noun is directly related to the concept of taking a part, which μετέχω signifies.
* συμμετέχω (symmetechō, `{{G4838}}`): "to be a joint partaker." This intensified form emphasizes sharing *with* others, highlighting co-participation.
While these words overlap, μετέχω often carries the sense of *taking* a share or *being given* a share, implying a direct involvement or reception of a portion of something.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μετέχω is profound, touching upon several core doctrines:
* **The Incarnation:** The use in [[Hebrews 2:14]] is foundational, asserting Christ's full and genuine participation in human nature, which was essential for Him to be a sympathetic and effective High Priest. It underscores the reality of His humanity without diminishing His divinity.
* **Sanctification and Divine Nature:** [[Hebrews 12:10]] and [[2 Peter 1:4]] present two pinnacle applications. Through divine discipline, believers are enabled to "partake of His holiness," growing in conformity to God's character. Even more remarkably, believers are promised to "become partakers of the divine nature," suggesting a profound spiritual transformation that aligns them with God's moral attributes, though never blurring the Creator-creature distinction. This points to the eschatological hope of glorification and intimate communion with God.
* **Communion and Allegiance:** The usage in 1 Corinthians concerning the Lord's Supper and the table of demons highlights that participation implies allegiance. To partake of Christ's table is to identify with Him; to partake of idols' tables is to align with spiritual darkness. This underscores the exclusive nature of Christian worship and commitment.
* **Priesthood of Christ:** [[Hebrews 7:13]] shows Christ's unique "partaking" of a different lineage, underscoring His distinct, superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, not dependent on human ancestry.
### Summary
μετέχω (metéchō, `{{G3348}}`) is a significant Greek verb denoting the act of sharing, participating, or taking a part in something. Its etymology from "with" and "to have" clearly points to its core meaning of having a shared experience or portion. In the New Testament, its usage ranges from the mundane act of partaking in food or resources to profound theological truths. It is crucial for understanding Christ's full humanity in the Incarnation ([[Hebrews 2:14]]), the believer's progressive sanctification and ultimate transformation into "partakers of His holiness" ([[Hebrews 12:10]]) and "the divine nature" ([[2 Peter 1:4]]), and the exclusive allegiance demanded by Christian communion ([[1 Corinthians 10:17, 21]]). μετέχω thus encapsulates the deep, transformative connection between God and humanity, made possible through Christ, wherein believers are invited to share in the very life and character of God.
TRV