συγκοινωνέω

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.