Koinonia (fellowship) — Meaning in the Bible
Greek for sharing, partnership or fellowship: having something in common. The first believers devoted themselves to it.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
The church in Jerusalem continued in "the apostles' teaching and fellowship". Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in the good news. Acts 2:42Philippians 1:5
The word is also used for a shared gift of money and for sharing in Christ through the Lord's Supper. 2 Corinthians 8:41 Corinthians 10:161 John 1:3
Key passages
- Acts 2:42–47 — Fellowship in the first church.
- Philippians 1:3–5 — Partnership.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1–4 — Sharing in giving.
- 1 John 1:3–7 — Fellowship with God and each other.
Original language
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
- The same word is translated "fellowship", "partnership", "sharing", "communion" or "contribution" depending on context. Acts 2:42Philippians 1:52 Corinthians 8:4