### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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}}`.
### Summary
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