### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **métochos**, represented by `{{G3353}}`, means a **participant, sharer, associate, fellow, partaker, or partner**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The term encompasses a range of association, from a practical business relationship to a deep spiritual union.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3353}}` describes both earthly and spiritual relationships. In a literal sense, it refers to business **partners**, as when the disciples in one boat beckoned to their **partners** in another ship for help with a miraculous catch of fish [[Luke 5:7]]. More frequently, it is used in a theological context to describe a shared spiritual status. Believers are identified as **partakers** of a heavenly calling [[Hebrews 3:1]], **partakers** of the Holy Ghost [[Hebrews 6:4]], and ultimately, **partakers** of Christ himself [[Hebrews 3:14]]. The term is also used to describe Christ's relationship to his **fellows**, whom he is exalted above [[Hebrews 1:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of this participation:
* `{{G2821}}` **klēsis** (calling): This word, meaning "an invitation (figuratively)," is directly connected to being a partaker. Believers are described as "holy brethren, **partakers** of the heavenly **calling**" [[Hebrews 3:1]], establishing that the partnership is rooted in a divine invitation.
* `{{G4815}}` **syllambánō** (help): Defined as "to aid," this term illustrates the practical outworking of a partnership. The disciples' partners were called upon to **help** them, showing the supportive and active nature of the association [[Luke 5:7]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (brother): This term for **brother** is used in parallel with partaker, addressing believers as "holy **brethren**, **partakers** of the heavenly calling" [[Hebrews 3:1]]. This highlights the familial bond and shared identity inherent in the spiritual partnership.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3353}}` is centered on the believer's union with Christ and the divine.
* **Practical Association:** The word's use in a non-religious context provides a foundation for its spiritual meaning. Just as fishermen are **partners** in a common work, so are believers associated in a divine purpose [[Luke 5:7]].
* **Spiritual Union:** `{{G3353}}` elevates this association to a profound spiritual reality. Believers are made "**partakers** of Christ" [[Hebrews 3:14]] and "**partakers** of the Holy Ghost" [[Hebrews 6:4]], indicating a shared life and nature, not just a shared mission.
* **Shared Experience:** This participation includes sharing in both divine blessings and divine discipline. Believers are **partakers** of a "heavenly calling" [[Hebrews 3:1]], but also of the chastisement that all God's children receive [[Hebrews 12:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3353}}` defines a relationship that moves from a simple partnership to a profound spiritual participation. While it can describe an earthly associate [[Luke 5:7]], its primary theological weight is in defining the believer's identity as a sharer in a divine reality. It signifies being a partaker of the Holy Spirit [[Hebrews 6:4]], of Christ himself [[Hebrews 3:14]], and of the heavenly calling that unites all believers in a common family and purpose.
TRV