συγκοινωνέω

From the study of Ephesians 5:11

Range of meaning

To be a joint partner in something, to share in it together with others: to take part in an enterprise, to share someone's lot, or to contribute jointly. It is built from the koinōn- family (common, shared, partner) plus syn- ("with, together"), which strengthens the idea of joint involvement. The object is typically an activity, a fate, or a resource. It is not a word for friendship or social company.

Against the English

KJV, BSB, WEB and YLT say "have no fellowship with." In 1611 "fellowship" still meant partnership or joint participation (a "fellow" was a partner or associate), so the rendering was accurate. Today "fellowship" mostly means friendly company or a church social gathering, so the line can sound like "don't associate with such people." ESV and NLT ("take no part in") and NASB ("do not participate in") say it more clearly. NIV's "have nothing to do with" goes the other way and widens it into general avoidance.

How it drifted

In English "fellowship" moved from partnership (a business "fellowship," a guild) toward companionship, and in church use toward social gathering ("fellowship hall"). The Greek word never shifted that way.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the NT: Philippians 4:14, "you did well to share in (synkoinōnēsantes) my affliction"; Revelation 18:4, "come out of her, my people, so that you do not take part in her sins (synkoinōnēsēte)", the closest parallel, where the object is again sins. The related noun synkoinōnos appears in Romans 11:17, 1 Corinthians 9:23, Philippians 1:7 and Revelation 1:9 for a co-sharer. Ephesians 5:7 has already said "do not become co-partakers (symmetochoi) with them," a close synonym.

From the study of Revelation 18:4

Range of meaning

To take part in something together with someone; to share in or be a partner in. The prefix syn- ('with') sharpens κοινωνέω ('share'). In good contexts it means sharing in someone's troubles (Phil 4:14). In bad contexts it means complicity (Eph 5:11, 'take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness').

Against the English

KJV 'be not partakers' and WEB 'have no participation' keep the idea of being a partner. BSB 'share in' is fine. YLT 'partake with her sins' keeps the 'with'.

Used elsewhere in the period

It is rare: three times in the New Testament (Eph 5:11; Phil 4:14; here). The related noun συγκοινωνός appears in Rev 1:9, where John calls himself the readers' 'partner in the tribulation'. In papyri the word family is used for business partnership.

From the study of Philippians 4:14

Range of meaning

To be a joint partner in something, to take a share of it together with someone. It is built from κοινωνέω ("to have a share, be a partner") plus συν- ("with"). It can be used for sharing in good things or bad, including someone's deeds (Eph 5:11; Rev 18:4).

Against the English

KJV "communicate with", YLT "communicated with", BSB/WEB "share in", NASB "share with me in". The KJV wording has drifted badly for modern ears (see drift).

How it drifted

In 1611 "communicate" still had its Latin sense, "to make common, to share" (Vulgate communicantes). Today it means passing on information.

Used elsewhere in the period

Rare compared with κοινωνέω, and mostly found in Paul and texts influenced by him. Philippians is full of this word family: 1:5 "your partnership (koinōnia) in the gospel"; 1:7 "you are all co-sharers (synkoinōnous) with me of grace"; 3:10 "sharing (koinōnia) in his sufferings"; 4:15 "no church partnered (ekoinōnēsen) with me in giving and receiving." In the commercial world koinōnia could also describe a business partnership with shared stakes.