Lexical Summary metoché: Participation, partnership, sharing Original Word: μετοχή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fellowship. From metecho; participation, i.e. Intercourse -- fellowship. see GREEK metecho HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3352 metoxḗ – a close relation between partners, i.e. people sharing something held in common (used only in 2 Cor 6:14); joint-activity. See 3353 (metoxos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom metechó Definition sharing NASB Translation partnership (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3352: μετοχήμετοχή, μετοχης, ἡ (μετέχω) (Vulg.participatio); a sharing, communion, fellowship: 2 Corinthians 6:14. (Psalm 121:3 Topical Lexicon Overview Metochē (Strong’s Greek 3352) conveys the idea of a shared stake, partnership, or common participation. Though it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its lone occurrence in 2 Corinthians 6:14 opens a broad vista on the biblical doctrine of fellowship, separation, and holiness. Canonical Occurrence 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership (metochē) can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” Context in 2 Corinthians Paul writes to believers surrounded by the idolatry, immorality, and commercial life of Corinth. Having called the church to reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:20) and to purity amid trials (2 Corinthians 6:3-10), he now applies that message to their associations. The imagery of an “unequal yoke” (echoing Deuteronomy 22:10) warns against binding alliances that compromise devotion to Christ. Metochē sharpens the point: believers and unbelievers do not share a common stock of righteousness, for one is governed by the indwelling Spirit and the other by spiritual darkness (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). Theological Significance 1. The Incompatibility of Natures Historical Background of Unequal Yokes In ancient agriculture a yoke joined two animals of equal size and strength to plow efficiently. Pairing an ox with a donkey produced frustration and injury. The Mosaic Law used that image (Deuteronomy 22:10) to teach separation from pagan practices. Corinthian believers faced civic festivities, guild feasts, and business ventures steeped in idolatry. Paul’s admonition prevents believers from placing themselves under obligations that would demand compromise—whether in public worship, marriage, commerce, or litigation. Metochē and Related Concepts • Koinōnia (Strong’s 2842) – emphasizes shared life and communion (Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3). Metochē is narrower, focusing on the actual stake or share itself. While koinōnia stresses relationship, metochē highlights the mutual portion that relationship assumes. Old Testament and Intertestamental Parallels Though the Septuagint rarely uses the exact noun, its verbal and adjectival cognates appear in passages concerning shared lot and inheritance (e.g., Numbers 26:55 LXX). Extra-biblical Greek literature employs metochē for business partnerships or political participation, clarifying Paul’s economic and social subtext. Ministry Applications 1. Marriage Practical Tests for God-Honoring Partnership • Do both parties acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (1 John 4:2-3)? Encouragement Toward Positive Metochē Believers are not called to isolation but to robust fellowship with the triune God and His people: Such partnership fuels mutual edification, evangelism, and sacrificial service (Hebrews 10:24-25; Philippians 1:27-30). Warnings Against False Partnership Scripture patterns the antithesis of metochē with unbelief: These histories confirm that misplaced partnership invites divine discipline yet also magnifies God’s mercy when repentance follows (2 Chronicles 30:9). Eschatological Fulfillment Revelation portrays the final, flawless partnership of God and His people: “The dwelling place of God is with man” (Revelation 21:3). All lesser fellowships are preparatory or obstructive relative to that consummation. Metochē with Christ now secures metochē in His glory then (2 Timothy 2:12). Conclusion Metochē confronts believers with the question, “With whom am I truly sharing life and purpose?” Paul’s single employment of the term crystallizes a perennial doctrine: righteousness must not bind itself to lawlessness. Pursuing holy partnerships cultivates joy, stability, and a credible testimony until the church’s perfect fellowship with her Lord is unveiled. Forms and Transliterations μετοχη μετοχή μετοχὴ metoche metochē metochḕLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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