The Greek word synkoinōnéō, represented by G4790, means to share in company with, i.e. co-participate in. It appears 5 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term defines an active partnership or fellowship, either by joining in someone's suffering or by partaking in sinful actions.
In its biblical usage, G4790 carries both a strong warning and a commendation. It serves as a command to separate from evil, as seen in the instruction to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" Ephesians 5:11. Similarly, a voice from heaven warns God's people to "be not partakers of her sins" to avoid also receiving her plagues Revelation 18:4. In contrast, the word is used positively to praise the Philippians, who had "well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction" Philippians 4:14, illustrating a supportive and shared experience in hardship.
Several related words clarify the nature of what one can co-participate in:
- G2347 thlîpsis (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble): This represents the suffering that believers can share with one another, as the Philippians were commended for communicating with Paul's affliction Philippians 4:14.
- G2041 érgon (an act:--deed, doing, labour, work): This term often refers to the actions one can have fellowship with. Believers are warned specifically against the "unfruitful works of darkness" Ephesians 5:11.
- G266 hamartía (a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful)): This highlights the spiritual danger of wrong association, as believers are called to come out of Babylon so they are not partakers of her sins Revelation 18:4.
- G4127 plēgḗ (a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity:--plague, stripe, wound(-ed)): This points to the consequence of partaking in sin. Those who partake in Babylon's sins will also receive her plagues Revelation 18:4.
The theological weight of G4790 centers on the principle of intentional association and its consequences.
- Separation from Sin: The word is used to issue a clear command for believers to separate themselves from evil. This is not passive avoidance but an active refusal to have fellowship with "the unfruitful works of darkness" Ephesians 5:11 or be partakers of sin Revelation 18:4.
- Solidarity in Suffering: It positively frames the act of sharing in hardship. To communicate with a fellow believer's affliction G2347 is presented as a virtuous act of fellowship and support Philippians 4:14.
- Shared Consequences: The use in Revelation establishes a direct link between participation and outcome. To be a partaker in sin G266 leads to receiving G2983 the associated judgment, or plagues G4127, emphasizing the spiritual reality that our associations determine what we share in Revelation 18:4.
In summary, G4790 is more than simple association; it signifies deep co-participation. It presents a critical choice for believers: either to communicate with the affliction of the righteous in solidarity Philippians 4:14 or to become partakers in the sins and fruitless works of the world, which is explicitly forbidden (Ephesians 5:11, Revelation 18:4). The word thus serves as a powerful instruction on the importance of discerning fellowship, highlighting that who we join with determines what we ultimately share in.
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