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