### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
συγκοινωνός (synkoinōnós, `{{G4791}}`) is a compound Greek word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with" or "together," and κοινωνός (koinōnós, `{{G2844}}`), meaning "a partner, sharer, or companion." Its literal and core meaning is "a fellow sharer," "a co-participant," or "one who shares in common with others."
The semantic range of συγκοινωνός extends beyond mere association to denote an active and mutual involvement. It emphasizes a deep identification and commonality in an experience, privilege, or suffering. It implies a shared stake, whether in spiritual blessings, apostolic ministry, or the trials of faith. This term highlights not just proximity, but genuine participation in a shared reality, often with theological significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συγκοινωνός appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily within the Pauline epistles and the book of Revelation, each instance illuminating a crucial aspect of Christian fellowship and identity.
1. **Romans 11:17:** "And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became a συγκοινωνός with them of the rich root of the olive tree..."
Here, Gentile believers are described as co-participants with Jewish believers in the spiritual blessings and covenantal nourishment derived from the "rich root," representing God's faithfulness to His covenant people. This emphasizes a shared spiritual heritage and a common source of life for both Jew and Gentile in Christ.
2. **1 Corinthians 9:23:** "I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may be a συγκοινωνός of it."
Paul declares himself a co-participant *of* the gospel. This indicates more than simply proclaiming the gospel; it signifies a deep personal identification with its message, power, and mission. Paul's life, sufferings, and ministry are intrinsically linked to the gospel's advance, making him an active sharer in its very essence and effects.
3. **Philippians 1:7:** "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all συγκοινωνοί with me of grace."
The Philippian believers are συγκοινωνοί with Paul *of grace*. This highlights their active partnership in his ministry, sustained by divine grace, even in his imprisonment and the defense of the gospel. Their support, prayers, and fellowship made them genuine co-sharers in the divine favor and power that enabled Paul's apostolic work, and thus sharers in its spiritual fruit.
4. **Revelation 1:9:** "I, John, your brother and συγκοινωνός in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance which are in Jesus..."
John identifies himself with his readers as a συγκοινωνός in three profound aspects: "tribulation," "kingdom," and "endurance." This powerful declaration establishes a deep solidarity, indicating a shared experience of suffering for Christ, a common hope in His coming kingdom, and a mutual need for patient endurance in the face of adversity. It underscores the corporate nature of the Christian journey, encompassing both present hardship and future glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`):** This is the foundational noun from which κοινωνός and, by extension, συγκοινωνός are derived. It signifies "fellowship, communion, participation, sharing, partnership." While κοινωνία refers to the state or act of sharing, συγκοινωνός identifies the individual who actively engages in that sharing or partnership. Examples include the fellowship of believers in [[Acts 2:42]] or fellowship with Christ in [[1 Corinthians 1:9]].
* **κοινωνός (koinōnós, `{{G2844}}`):** The base word, meaning "partner, sharer, companion." συγκοινωνός intensifies this by adding the prefix σύν (together), emphasizing a deeper, mutual, or joint participation. Compare [[Luke 5:10]] (partners in fishing) with the more profound spiritual sharing implied by συγκοινωνός.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`):** The prefix itself, denoting union, association, or joint action. Many other "syn-" compounds in the New Testament convey similar ideas of shared experience or identity (e.g., συνσταυρόω (synstauroō, `{{G4871}}`) - to be crucified with; συζάω (syzaō, `{{G4806}}`) - to live with).
* **Participation and Solidarity:** The concept inherent in συγκοινωνός is deeply tied to themes of corporate identity, mutual support, and shared destiny within the body of Christ. It highlights that believers are not isolated individuals but are intricately interconnected through their common relationship with Christ and with one another, sharing in both blessings and burdens.
### Theological Significance
The term συγκοινωνός carries profound theological weight, illuminating several crucial aspects of Christian life and identity:
1. **Corporate Unity in Christ:** It powerfully articulates the truth that believers are not merely individuals but are intimately united, sharing a common life, destiny, and experience in Christ. Whether sharing in the spiritual nourishment of Israel ([[Romans 11:17]]), the grace of God ([[Philippians 1:7]]), or the tribulation and kingdom of Christ ([[Revelation 1:9]]), the term underscores a profound corporate reality.
2. **Mutual Participation in Divine Grace and Mission:** συγκοινωνός emphasizes that participation in God's grace is not a solitary reception but often involves a mutual sharing with others. The Philippians' partnership in Paul's ministry of grace illustrates that spiritual blessings and ministry are communal endeavors, where believers are co-laborers and co-beneficiaries, sharing in the divine enablement.
3. **Solidarity in Suffering and Hope:** The use in [[Revelation 1:9]] is particularly poignant, revealing a shared experience of tribulation and a common hope in the kingdom. It fosters a deep sense of solidarity among believers, reminding them that their struggles are not unique but part of a larger, communal journey towards God's ultimate reign. This shared suffering often deepens the bond of fellowship and strengthens collective endurance.
4. **Active Partnership in the Gospel:** Paul's declaration in [[1 Corinthians 9:23]] that he is a συγκοινωνός of the gospel elevates the concept beyond passive reception. It implies an active, personal identification with the gospel's mission and power, where one's entire being is intertwined with its advance and impact.
### Summary
συγκοινωνός (synkoinōnós, `{{G4791}}`) is a potent Greek term signifying "a co-participant," "a fellow sharer," or "one who shares with." Compound in nature, it combines σύν (with) and κοινωνός (sharer, `{{G2844}}`) to denote a deep, mutual involvement and identification. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles and Revelation, it describes believers as co-participants in the spiritual blessings and covenant promises of God ([[Romans 11:17]]), active partners in the grace that empowers gospel ministry ([[Philippians 1:7]]), and those who intimately share in the gospel itself ([[1 Corinthians 9:23]]). Most profoundly, it underscores the solidarity among believers who are συγκοινωνοί in both the tribulations and the triumphant kingdom of Christ ([[Revelation 1:9]]). The word powerfully articulates the corporate nature of Christian faith, emphasizing mutual participation, shared identity, and active partnership in the divine work and the common experience of the redeemed community.
TRV