κοινωνέω (koinōneō)
koinōneō
to participate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb koinōneō describes the act of sharing in something or becoming a partner with another. It moves beyond simple association to imply active participation and mutual involvement. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, often highlighting the tangible bonds between believers or their connection to spiritual realities.
Its usage varies by grammatical case, reflecting different kinds of sharing. When paired with a genitive, it indicates having a share in a thing, as when Hebrews 2:14 speaks of Jesus sharing in flesh and blood. With the dative, it often points to participating in an experience or supporting a person, such as Paul’s gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in giving (Philippians 4:15) or Peter’s hope that believers share in Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:13).
Derived from koinōnia (fellowship), this verb captures the dynamic side of community. It is not merely feeling close to others but actively joining with them in a common cause or destiny. This active participation underscores the practical nature of Christian fellowship, where faith is lived out through shared life and mutual support.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word koinōneō invites us into active partnership rather than passive observation. It describes a life where faith is lived out through tangible support and shared experience. When we share resources with those in need or stand alongside believers in their struggles, we are participating in the very work of God. This is not about maintaining distance but about entering into the realities of others' lives with genuine care.
Consider how this word applies to your daily interactions. It challenges us to look beyond our own comfort and join with others in both joy and hardship. Whether it is supporting a teacher, contributing to the needs of the church, or sharing in Christ’s sufferings, this participation deepens our connection to the body of believers. It reminds us that we are not meant to walk alone.
As you reflect on your own relationships, ask how you might engage more deeply with those around you. This kind of fellowship is a gift that strengthens the entire community. May you find joy in being a partner with others, knowing that your involvement matters greatly to God and to those you serve.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have shared1×
- should share1×
- shared1×
- partnered1×
- partakes1×
- have partaken1×
- do share1×
- contributing,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκοινώνησεν1×
- ἐκοινώνησαν1×
- κοινώνει1×
- κοινωνοῦντες,1×
- κοινωνεῖτε1×
- κοινωνεῖ1×
- κοινωνείτω1×
- κεκοινώνηκεν1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:15
You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
This verse highlights the unique financial partnership Paul had with the Philippians, showing how sharing in giving and receiving strengthens community bonds.
-
Hebrews 2:14
Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
Here the word describes Jesus’ full identification with humanity, emphasizing that his incarnation was a true participation in our flesh and blood.
-
I Peter 4:13
But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
Peter uses this term to encourage believers to rejoice in their shared experience of Christ’s sufferings, linking present trials to future glory.
-
II John 1:11
for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
This occurrence serves as a warning that welcoming false teachers makes one a participant in their evil deeds, showing the serious moral implications of association.