from μετέχω; participation, i.e. intercourse:--fellowship.
Transliteration:metochḗ
Pronunciation:met-okh-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μετοχή (metochē - `{{G3352}}`) derives from the verb μετέχω (metechō - `{{G3348}}`), which signifies "to have a share of," "to partake of," or "to participate in." Consequently, μετοχή denotes "participation," "sharing," "communion," or "fellowship." It describes the act or state of having a joint share or common experience with others, implying a deep, often intrinsic, connection rather than merely a superficial association. The underlying sense is one of shared possession, nature, or purpose, indicating a substantial involvement in something alongside another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μετοχή (metochē - `{{G3352}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence carries profound theological weight.
* **[[2 Corinthians 6:14]]:** "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what μετοχή (fellowship/participation) has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what communion has light with darkness?"
In this pivotal verse, Paul uses μετοχή in a rhetorical question to underscore the absolute incompatibility between two antithetical spiritual realities: "righteousness" and "lawlessness." The question implies that there can be no true, meaningful, or shared participation between these opposing forces. The context is a powerful exhortation for believers to maintain distinct spiritual and ethical boundaries, particularly in intimate alliances such as marriage or deep partnerships. The word here signifies a profound commonality of nature or purpose, which is precisely what is lacking between the life in Christ (righteousness, light) and the life apart from Him (lawlessness, darkness). The passage prohibits compromising one's spiritual identity through shared endeavors that would necessitate a blurring of these fundamental distinctions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of μετοχή (metochē - `{{G3352}}`) is enriched by its relationship to several cognate terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **μετέχω (metechō - `{{G3348}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to partake," "to share in," or "to have a share of." This verb emphasizes the active participation that μετοχή describes. Examples include partaking of the altar ([[1 Corinthians 9:13]]), the Lord's table ([[1 Corinthians 10:21]]), or flesh and blood ([[Hebrews 2:14]]).
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia - `{{G2842}}`):** Frequently translated as "fellowship," "communion," "partnership," or "sharing." κοινωνία is a very close synonym and often overlaps in meaning with μετοχή. While μετοχή may emphasize the *act* or *state* of sharing, κοινωνία often highlights the *resultant relationship* or *community* formed by that sharing, or the *object* that is shared (e.g., financial contribution). Both words convey the idea of a joint participation, but κοινωνία has a broader range, encompassing practical sharing, partnership in the Gospel, and spiritual communion.
* **κοινωνός (koinōnos - `{{G2844}}`):** The noun meaning "partner," "sharer," or "companion," indicating one who has a joint share with another.
* **Concept of Participation:** The broader biblical concept of participation is vital, encompassing believers' sharing in Christ's sufferings ([[Philippians 3:10]]), partaking of the divine nature ([[2 Peter 1:4]]), or sharing in the blessings of the Holy Spirit ([[Hebrews 6:4]]). μετοχή contributes to this rich theological landscape by emphasizing the intrinsic nature of such shared realities.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of μετοχή (metochē - `{{G3352}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 6:14]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning Christian identity, ethics, and ecclesiology.
* **Call to Separation and Holiness:** The verse serves as a foundational text for the doctrine of separation. It underscores that believers, being set apart for God's righteousness, cannot genuinely share a deep, binding fellowship with those who embody lawlessness or darkness. This is not a call to isolation but to a distinctness of allegiance and values, preserving the integrity of the Christian witness.
* **Nature of True Fellowship:** μετοχή implicitly defines what true fellowship entails: a shared participation in a common nature, purpose, and commitment. For believers, this means fellowship must be rooted in a shared life in Christ, His righteousness, and His truth. Any "fellowship" that compromises these foundational elements is deemed impossible or destructive.
* **Exclusive Allegiance to Christ:** The rhetorical question in [[2 Corinthians 6:14]] highlights the exclusive nature of allegiance to Christ. One cannot simultaneously partake deeply in the life of Christ and the values of a world alienated from God without creating an irreconcilable spiritual conflict.
* **Ethical Implications:** The word has direct ethical implications for believers' choices in marriage, business partnerships, and other close relationships, urging them to choose partners and associations that align with their spiritual identity and purpose in Christ.
### Summary
μετοχή (metochē - `{{G3352}}`) signifies "participation" or "fellowship," emphasizing the act or state of having a deep, shared involvement in something. Its single New Testament appearance in [[2 Corinthians 6:14]] is highly significant, rhetorically questioning the possibility of genuine μετοχή between righteousness and lawlessness. This powerful statement underscores the fundamental incompatibility between the believer's life in Christ and the unrighteousness of the world, serving as a crucial call to spiritual separation and purity. While closely related to κοινωνία (koinōnia - `{{G2842}}`), μετοχή particularly stresses the intrinsic shared essence or purpose that must underpin true communion. The word thus encapsulates a vital theological principle: the imperative for believers to maintain distinct identities and allegiances, rooted in their shared participation in Christ and His holiness.
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