κοινωνία (koinōnia)
koinōnia
participation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun koinōnia describes a deep sharing or participation in something held in common. It goes beyond simple social interaction to imply an intimate bond where life and resources are intermingled. In the New Testament, this word appears sixteen times, with significant usage in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Philippians, as well as in the First Epistle of John.
The term carries two primary shades of meaning that reflect its practical outworking. First, it denotes spiritual fellowship or communion, such as the shared life believers have with God and one another (1 John 1:3) or their union with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). Second, it refers to a tangible contribution or gift given in response to that fellowship. Paul uses this sense when describing the financial collection for the Jerusalem church, viewing the material aid as an expression of shared faith and mutual care (Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:4).
This dual nature highlights how early Christians viewed community: spiritual intimacy naturally produced practical generosity. The right hand of fellowship given to Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9) served as a pledge of this shared mission, while the "partnership in the gospel" mentioned in Philippians 1:5 reflects both their doctrinal unity and their financial support of his ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word koinōnia points to a life shared deeply with God and others. It is not just a casual friendship, but a real participation in what Christ has done. When you read about fellowship in the New Testament, you are seeing a community where faith is lived out together, not kept private.
This sharing shows up in two clear ways. First, it is the spiritual bond we have with Jesus and each other, as seen in 1 John 1:3. Second, it becomes practical generosity, like the gifts given to help those in need (Romans 15:26). Your faith is meant to be active, linking your heart to God’s work in the world.
Living this out means staying close to the community of believers. It involves both praying together and helping each other materially. This kind of connection strengthens your walk with Christ and brings glory to His name through your shared life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fellowship10×
- a participation2×
- partnership1×
- participation1×
- of sharing1×
- of fellowship,1×
- in fellowship,1×
- a contribution1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κοινωνίαν7×
- κοινωνία6×
- κοινωνίας2×
- κοινωνίᾳ,1×
- κοινωνίᾳ1×
- κοινωνίας,1×
Key Verses
-
I John 1:3
that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
This verse defines the core meaning by linking human fellowship directly to our union with the Father and the Son.
-
Philippians 3:10
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death,
Paul uses this term to describe a profound identification with Christ’s sufferings, showing it goes beyond simple social interaction.
-
Romans 15:26
For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem.
Here the word shifts to tangible financial aid, proving that spiritual unity naturally produces practical generosity for the poor.
-
I Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it a sharing of the body of Christ?
The Lord's Supper is called a sharing in Christ’s body and blood, highlighting communion as a participatory act rather than just a symbol.