### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **homilía**, represented by `{{G3657}}`, refers to **companionship** or **intercourse**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Derived from a word for "company," its meaning extends beyond simple speech to encompass the influence of one's associates.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G3657}}` is in [[1 Corinthians 15:33]], which states, "Be not deceived: evil **communications** corrupt good manners." Here, **communications** refers not merely to conversation but to the broader concept of fellowship and the company one keeps. The verse serves as a direct warning that associating with people who hold corrupting beliefs or behaviors will inevitably degrade one's own moral character. It is presented as an axiom to guard believers from being led astray.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the same verse clarify the meaning of `{{G3657}}`:
* `{{G2556}}` **kakós** (evil): This describes the nature of the companionship as intrinsically worthless, depraved, and injurious.
* `{{G5351}}` **phtheírō** (corrupt): This verb denotes the result of such companionship, meaning to spoil, ruin, or deprave by moral influence.
* `{{G5543}}` **chrēstós** (good): This is the quality being corrupted. It describes manners or morals that are useful and kind.
* `{{G2239}}` **ēthos** (manners): This specifies what is being corrupted: one's moral habits and established usages.
* `{{G4105}}` **planáō** (deceived): The verse's opening command uses this word, warning believers not to be caused to roam from safety, truth, or virtue by such company [[1 Corinthians 15:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3657}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, highlighting the principle of moral influence through association.
* **Corruption through Companionship:** The verse establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Evil (`kakós`) companionship (`homilía`) directly leads to the ruin (`phtheírō`) of good (`chrēstós`) moral habits (`ēthos`).
* **A Guard Against Deception:** The warning is prefaced by "Be not deceived" (`{{G4105}}`), linking poor association to the broader theme of being led astray from spiritual truth and virtue [[Galatians 6:7]]. The danger is not just behavioral but also doctrinal.
* **The Power of Influence:** The use of `{{G3657}}` underscores that the people one spends time with are a powerful force in spiritual and moral formation, capable of either building up or utterly destroying character. This is seen in how evil associations can defile a believer [[Jude 1:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3657}}` is a concise but powerful term for companionship and social intercourse. Its single usage in scripture delivers an unambiguous warning: the company we keep has a direct and potent effect on our moral and spiritual state. The principle in [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] is a foundational piece of biblical wisdom, cautioning that evil associations will inevitably corrupt good character.
TRV