κοινωνικός (koinōnikos)
koinōnikos
generous
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective koinōnikos describes a person who is naturally generous and eager to share what they have with others. Derived from the root for fellowship or communion, it moves beyond simple sociability to indicate a readiness to impart resources or support to those in need. It characterizes someone whose life is marked by an open-handed disposition toward their community.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul’s instruction to Timothy regarding the wealthy (1 Timothy 6:18). Here, it modifies the command to be rich in good works, urging believers to be liberal and ready to distribute. The word suggests that true generosity is not a reluctant duty but a defining trait of one’s character.
Translators often render this as "generous" or "ready to share," capturing the active willingness inherent in the Greek. It implies a lifestyle where possessions are viewed as tools for connection and care rather than private accumulation. The focus remains on the outward flow of kindness that strengthens communal bonds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word koinōnikos describes a generous spirit that flows naturally from a heart connected to God and others. It is not merely about giving what is left over, but about an open-handed readiness to share resources with those in need. This kind of generosity strengthens the bonds of community and reflects the fellowship we have with Christ.
In 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul encourages believers to be rich in good works and willing to share. This suggests that true wealth is measured by how freely we give, not by what we keep. When we view our possessions as tools for care rather than private accumulation, we participate in a deeper spiritual reality.
May you find joy in being generous, knowing that your giving supports others and deepens your own faith. Let this spirit of sharing be a natural part of your daily life, pointing those around you to the kindness of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ready to share,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κοινωνικούς,1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 6:18
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
This verse commands believers to be ready to distribute and willing to share, using koinōnikos to describe a character marked by active generosity rather than reluctant duty.