Lexical Summary sugkoinónos: Partaker, partner, sharer, companion Original Word: συγκοινωνός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance partaker, companionFrom sun and koinonos; a co-participant -- companion, partake(-r, -r with). see GREEK sun see GREEK koinonos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4791 sygkoinōnós – a close companion (joint-sharer). See 4790 (synkoinōneo). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and koinónos Definition partaking jointly of NASB Translation fellow partaker (2), partaker (1), partakers (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4791: συγκοινωνόςσυγκοινωνός (T WH συνκοινωνος (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συγκοινωνον, participant with others in (anything), joint partner: with a genitive of the thing (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 8 a.), Romans 11:17; 1 Corinthians 9:23; with the addition of the genitive of the person with whom one is partaker of a thing, Philippians 1:7; followed by ἐν, with a dative of the thing, Revelation 1:9. Topical Lexicon Concept Overview The term translated “fellow-partaker” or “partner” underscores a shared participation in blessings, responsibilities, and experiences that arise from union with Jesus Christ and fellowship within His body. Across its four New Testament occurrences, the word draws together themes of covenant inclusion, gospel mission, gracious solidarity, and steadfast endurance. Biblical Occurrences • Romans 11:17 Participation in the Root of Salvation (Romans 11:17) Israel’s cultivated olive tree symbolizes the historical people of God. When Gentile believers are grafted in, they “now share in the rich root of the olive tree” (Romans 11:17). The verse affirms that salvation is corporate as well as individual; the newcomer does not receive a private sapling but joins an ancient stock. The partnership is gracious, not merited, and it calls for humility toward the natural branches. Theologically, the word reinforces the continuity of God’s saving plan and warns against any notion of replacement or boasting. Participation in Gospel Blessings and Labor (1 Corinthians 9:23; Philippians 1:7) Paul’s language about ministry casts believers as co-workers who both receive and extend gospel grace. 1 Corinthians 9:23: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.” Sharing in the gospel’s benefits entails sacrificial service, mirroring Christ’s self-giving love. The context (rights relinquished for evangelism) teaches that true partnership may require foregoing legitimate privileges for the advance of the message. Philippians 1:7: “...for you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” The Philippians’ financial support, prayers, and mutual affection make them genuine collaborators. Here, fellowship is not sentimental; it manifests in concrete aid and identifies the whole assembly with apostolic mission. Ministry partnership is thus framed as a grace to be stewarded, not a mere project to be managed. Participation in Tribulation, Kingdom, and Perseverance (Revelation 1:9) “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus...” John identifies with believers scattered throughout Asia Minor who face pressure from imperial power and social exclusion. Three spheres of shared experience are highlighted: • Tribulation – suffering is normative for loyal disciples. John’s self-description reminds the church that suffering, sovereignty, and steadfastness converge in Christ, and that none of these realities is meant to be faced alone. Theological Threads 1. Union with Christ: All partnership flows from being “in Him.” Historical and Ministry Significance Early Christian communities took the term seriously: • Financial Cooperation: Philippian support of Paul became a model for mission funding. Throughout church history, the concept has shaped monastic vows, missionary societies, and local congregational life. Whenever believers pool prayers, possessions, or sufferings for Christ’s sake, they embody the New Testament vision wrapped up in this word. Practical Implications for Today • Embrace Humble Inclusion: Gentile believers remain debtors to the Jewish root; anti-Semitism has no place in Christian fellowship. “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The spirit of συνκοινωνός calls every generation to live out that command with gratitude, courage, and joyful solidarity. Forms and Transliterations συγκοινωνός συγκοινωνὸς συγκοινωνούς συγκοίτου συνκοινωνος συνκοινωνὸς συνκοινωνους συνκοινωνούς sunkoinonos sunkoinōnos sunkoinonous sunkoinōnous synkoinonos syn'koinonòs synkoinōnos syn'koinōnòs synkoinonous syn'koinonoús synkoinōnous syn'koinōnoúsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 11:17 Adj-NMSGRK: αὐτοῖς καὶ συνκοινωνὸς τῆς ῥίζης NAS: them and became partaker with them of the rich KJV: with them partakest of the root and INT: them and a fellow-partaker of the root 1 Corinthians 9:23 Adj-NMS Philippians 1:7 Adj-AMP Revelation 1:9 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 4791 |
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