συγκοινωνέω (sugkoinōneō)
sugkoinōneō
to share with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sugkoinōneō describes becoming a partaker together with others or sharing in something as an accomplice. Its meaning ranges from positive fellowship to negative complicity, depending entirely on context. In Philippians 4:14, Paul uses it positively to thank believers for sharing in his hardships, highlighting a mutual bond of support and solidarity.
Conversely, Revelation 18:4 employs the word with a starkly different tone, urging God’s people not to share in the sins of Babylon. Here, it warns against becoming an accomplice in wickedness. The prefix syn- emphasizes this shared participation, whether in suffering or sin.
This duality shows that the word is neutral in itself; it simply denotes deep involvement. It can describe the close ties of Christian community or the dangerous entanglement with evil systems. Translators often render it as "have fellowship with" or "share in," capturing this sense of joint participation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a deep connection where lives are intertwined. In Philippians 4:14, Paul thanks believers for sharing in his hardships. This shows that Christian fellowship is not just about pleasant moments but includes standing together during difficult times. When we support others in their struggles, we participate in their journey and strengthen the bond of love within the church.
However, this same word carries a serious warning in Revelation 18:4. It urges God’s people to avoid sharing in the sins of Babylon. Here, it highlights the danger of becoming complicit in evil systems or practices that oppose God. The prefix 'syn-' emphasizes that we are either united with others in good or drawn into their wrongdoing.
Understanding this duality helps us navigate our relationships carefully. We are called to share in the burdens of fellow believers while remaining distinct from harmful influences. This balance allows us to live faithfully, offering support where needed and maintaining integrity in all areas of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may have fellowship1×
- having fellowship in1×
- do have fellowship with1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συγκοινωνήσητε1×
- συγκοινωνήσαντές1×
- συγκοινωνεῖτε1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:14
However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
Paul uses this word positively to describe believers sharing in his affliction, highlighting mutual support and solidarity in hardship.
-
Revelation of John 18:4
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues,
This verse warns against participating in the sins of Babylon, showing the word's use for negative complicity in wickedness.
-
Ephesians 5:11
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them.
Though not using this exact verb form, the concept of having no fellowship with unfruitful deeds aligns with the warning aspect of sugkoinōneō seen in Revelation.