Communion
κοινωνία (Koinōnia)
Intimate fellowship and sharing; also the Lord's Supper
Communion (koinonia) means 'fellowship, sharing, participation.' It describes both the intimate relationship believers share with God and each other, and the Lord's Supper — the sacred meal commemorating Christ's sacrifice.
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" — 1 Corinthians 10:16 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Corinthians 10:16
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”Read in context
Acts 2:42
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”Read in context
1 John 1:3
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”Read in context
The Meaning of Koinonia
The Greek 'koinonia' comes from 'koinos' (common, shared). It describes a deep, participatory sharing — not superficial socializing but genuine partnership in life. In the New Testament, koinonia operates on multiple levels: fellowship with God (1 John 1:3), fellowship with other believers (Acts 2:42), sharing material resources (Romans 15:26), and participation in Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10). It is the relational glue of the Christian community.
The Lord's Supper
One of the primary expressions of communion is the Lord's Supper (also called the Eucharist or Communion). Jesus instituted this meal on the night of His betrayal, taking bread and wine and saying, 'This is my body... this is my blood' (Matthew 26:26-28). Paul calls it 'the communion of the blood of Christ' and 'the communion of the body of Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:16). In this sacred meal, believers remember Christ's death, proclaim His coming return, and experience His presence.
Fellowship in the Early Church
The early church was marked by radical koinonia. Acts 2:42-47 describes believers sharing meals, possessions, worship, and prayer. They 'had all things common' — not forced communism but voluntary generosity born of love. This quality of fellowship was so attractive that 'the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.' Authentic koinonia remains one of the most powerful testimonies of the gospel.
Communion with the Triune God
The deepest meaning of communion is fellowship with God Himself. Paul's benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14 invokes 'the communion of the Holy Ghost' — the Spirit's work of connecting believers to the life of the Trinity. Through Christ, we are invited into the fellowship that the Father, Son, and Spirit have enjoyed eternally. Prayer, worship, and the Lord's Supper are means by which we experience this divine communion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should communion be observed?
The New Testament does not specify a frequency. Acts 2:46 suggests the early church broke bread daily. Acts 20:7 mentions the first day of the week. Some churches observe communion weekly, others monthly, others quarterly. What matters is that it is done regularly, reverently, and 'in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19).
What do the bread and wine represent?
The bread represents Christ's body, broken for us on the cross. The cup represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. Christians disagree on whether these elements become Christ's actual body and blood (transubstantiation), contain His real presence alongside the elements (real presence), or symbolize His sacrifice (memorial). All agree that the meal is a sacred participation in Christ's atoning work.
Who should take communion?
Paul warns against taking communion 'unworthily' and instructs self-examination before partaking (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Most traditions limit communion to baptized believers who are in right relationship with God and the church. Some practice 'open communion' (all believers welcome) while others practice 'closed communion' (members of that specific church or denomination only).
What is the Greek word for "Communion" in the Bible?
κοινωνία (Koinōnia), pronounced "koy-noh-NEE-ah." It means intimate fellowship and sharing; also the lord's supper. It is the word behind "Communion" in the New Testament, for example in 1 Corinthians 10:16.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Communion (κοινωνία (Koinōnia))
Intimate fellowship and sharing; also the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper Bible Quiz
This do in remembrance of me — the bread, the cup, and the communion of the body
What Is Communion (The Lord's Supper)?
Prayer & Worship
What Does the Bible Say About Communion (the Lord's Supper)?
Prayer & Worship
Fellowship (κοινωνία (Koinōnia))
Intimate sharing, partnership, and communion among believers and with God.
Strong's G2842 — Fellowship
κοινωνία (Koinōnia) • Intimate sharing, partnership, and communion among believers and with God.
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