The Greek word metochḗ, represented by G3352, is a specific term for fellowship. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Derived from a word meaning "to participate," its core definition signifies participation or intercourse, highlighting a shared nature or partnership.
The sole use of G3352 is found in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where it is employed in a powerful rhetorical question: "...for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?" This verse commands believers not to be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers." The use of metochḗ here serves to argue that there can be no true participation or partnership between the concepts of righteousness and unrighteousness, just as there can be no communion between light and darkness.
Several words used in the immediate context of 2 Corinthians 6:14 help to clarify the meaning of G3352:
- G2086 heterozygéō (to yoke up differently): This verb sets up the entire premise, forbidding discordant association. The lack of possible fellowship (metochḗ) is the reason believers should not be unequally yoked 2 Corinthians 6:14.
- G2842 koinōnía (communion, fellowship): Used in parallel with metochḗ in the same verse, this word reinforces the idea of partnership and intercourse. The text asks what communion (koinōnía) light has with darkness, directly echoing the question about fellowship (metochḗ) between righteousness and unrighteousness 2 Corinthians 6:14.
- G1343 dikaiosýnē (righteousness): This is the first element in the comparison. It represents the state of equity and justification that cannot have fellowship with its opposite 2 Corinthians 6:14.
- G458 anomía (unrighteousness): Defined as illegality or violation of law, this is the opposing concept that is fundamentally incompatible with the fellowship of righteousness 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Despite its single usage, the theological weight of G3352 is significant. It establishes a critical principle of separation and sanctification.
- Fundamental Incompatibility: The word is used to teach that certain spiritual realities are mutually exclusive. Righteousness and unrighteousness are presented not as a spectrum, but as two distinct realms that cannot participate with or have intercourse with one another 2 Corinthians 6:14.
- The Basis for Separation: The impossibility of this fellowship provides the theological rationale for the command against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers. The separation is not merely a social preference but is rooted in the very nature of righteousness and darkness.
- Defining Christian Identity: The use of metochḗ helps to define the believer's identity in Christ. A person identified with righteousness G1343 cannot simultaneously participate in or have a partnership with unrighteousness G458.
In summary, G3352 is a precise and potent term. While extremely rare, its single appearance in 2 Corinthians 6:14 is foundational to the biblical doctrine of separation. It defines fellowship by highlighting its impossibility between two opposing spiritual states: righteousness and unrighteousness. The word serves as a stark reminder that the nature of a believer's new life in Christ precludes any spiritual partnership with the world's darkness.
TRV