συγκοινωνός (sugkoinōnos)
sugkoinōnos
sharer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sugkoinōnos describes someone who is a joint partner or sharer in a specific reality. It combines the prefix for "with" and the root for "communion" or "participation." This creates a strong sense of shared experience, where one person’s standing or burden is directly linked to another’s.
In Scripture, this word highlights mutual involvement rather than simple association. Paul uses it in Philippians 1:7 to describe his partnership with the believers in their grace and imprisonment. He also applies it in 1 Corinthians 9:23 to explain sharing in the gospel’s benefits. In Revelation 1:9, John identifies himself as a sharer with the church in their tribulation and kingdom.
The term emphasizes that participation is communal. One does not hold the prize or bear the trial alone. The sources note its usage with genitives of both persons and things, showing it applies to shared relationships and shared circumstances alike. It defines Christian life as a collective journey rather than an individual pursuit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sugkoinōnos reminds us that faith is never a solitary walk. It describes a deep partnership, where burdens and blessings are shared between people. When you read this term in Scripture, it highlights that your spiritual life is tied to others. You do not carry the weight of grace alone, nor do you face trials in isolation.
In Philippians 1:7, Paul speaks of being partakers with believers in both his imprisonment and the defense of the Gospel. This shows that suffering and service are communal experiences. Your struggles become a shared strength, and your joys are multiplied through connection. The Christian life is built on this mutual belonging.
Whether you are facing hardship or celebrating victory, remember that you belong to a body. God designed us to lean on one another. This shared journey reflects the love of Christ, who united us in His grace. You are held by Him and connected to your fellow believers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fellow-partaker1×
- fellow partakers1×
- a fellow-partaker1×
- a fellow partaker1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συγκοινωνὸς3×
- συγκοινωνούς1×
Key Verses
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Philippians 1:7
It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
Paul uses this term to define his intimate bond with the Philippian church, sharing both their imprisonment and their confirmation of the Gospel.
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Revelation of John 1:9
I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John identifies himself as a sharer in tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance, showing that Christian identity is rooted in shared endurance and hope.
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I Corinthians 9:23
Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it.
Paul explains his missionary efforts by stating he acts to become a joint partaker of the Gospel's benefits, linking service to shared reward.