Word Research
Word Study: "Fellowship" (Literal & Prophetic Use in Scripture)
The word “fellowship” in Scripture conveys a deep sense of unity, shared purpose, and spiritual communion. It is commonly associated with believers gathering in faith, sharing in Christ, and walking together in righteousness.
Literal Definition & Meaning of Fellowship
The word “fellowship” in Scripture conveys a deep sense of unity, shared purpose, and spiritual communion. It is commonly associated with believers gathering in faith, sharing in Christ, and walking together in righteousness.
📝 Hebrew (Old Testament) Definition
While the English term “fellowship” is rare in the Old Testament, its concept appears through various Hebrew words:
חָבֵר (chaver) – Companion, friend, or associate in a close bond.
יָחַד (yachad) – Togetherness or unity in purpose.
סוֹד (sod) – Intimate counsel or divine gathering.
📝 Greek (New Testament) Definition
The New Testament expands the meaning of fellowship using:
κοινωνία (koinōnía) – Participation, communion, or sharing in common (Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3).
μετοχή (metochē) – Partnership or joint participation (Hebrews 3:14).
First Mention of Fellowship in Scripture
Though “fellowship” as a term appears more in the New Testament, the earliest scriptural concept of fellowship is found in Genesis 5:24:
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
Here, walking with God signifies an intimate relationship—one of divine fellowship. See also.
Frequency in Scripture
The word “fellowship” appears 14 times in the King James Version (KJV):
Old Testament: 1 occurrence
New Testament: 13 occurrences
Notable Verses:
Leviticus 6:2 – “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship…”
Acts 2:42 – “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
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.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?”
Fellowship in the Old and New Testament
The word “fellowship” appears in multiple contexts, reinforcing its significance in both human relationships and divine communion.
📜 Old Testament Examples:
Enoch & Noah (Genesis 5:24; 6:9 – הָלַךְ (halak) – Walking with God signifies true fellowship.
Moses (Exodus 33:11) – Speaking “face to face” with God reflects an intimate connection.
David & Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-3) – Covenant-based friendship rooted in faith.
Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
📜 New Testament Examples:
Acts 2:42 – Fellowship is foundational to the early Church.
1 John 1:3 – True fellowship is with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:14 – Fellowship between believers and non-believers is warned against.
Philippians 2:1-2 – Fellowship of the Spirit unites the body of Christ.
Prophetic and End-Time Significance
The biblical concept of fellowship carries deep prophetic meaning, especially concerning the end times and the restoration of God’s kingdom.
⚡ Prophetic Themes:
The Remnant’s Fellowship – True believers will be united in righteousness, distinct from the apostate world (Malachi 3:16, Revelation 14:1-5).
Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9) – The ultimate fellowship where Christ and His Bride unite.
The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3) – The perfect and eternal fellowship with God and His people.
Common Misinterpretations
Some misinterpret fellowship in ways that deviate from biblical truth:
Fellowship as Mere Socialization – Biblical fellowship is more than casual gatherings; it requires spiritual unity foremost and extends to partnerships and marriage unions in a lesser but still significant sense.
Universal Fellowship with All Religions – True fellowship is only found in Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Fellowship Without Holiness – Righteous living is a requirement for true fellowship (1 John 1:7).
Key Takeaways
Fellowship is more than social interaction—it is a sacred spiritual connection.
True biblical fellowship requires righteousness, unity, and a Christ-centered focus.
The ultimate fulfillment of fellowship is in the kingdom of God.
Genesis 5:24 and Genesis 6:9
In Genesis 5:24 and Genesis 6:9, the Hebrew word used for “walked” is הָלַךְ (halak).
- Genesis 5:24 – “And Enoch walked (הָלַךְ – halak) with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
- Genesis 6:9 – “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked (הָלַךְ – halak) with God.”
Meaning of הָלַךְ (Halak)
- Literal Meaning: To walk, to go, to proceed.
- Spiritual Meaning: In these verses, it signifies a continuous relationship and deep fellowship with God. It implies obedience, faithfulness, and intimate communion rather than just physical movement.
Fellowship In English
Fellowship
Fellowship In Hebrew
חָבֵר (chaver) – Companion, friend, or associate in a close bond.
יָחַד (yachad) – Togetherness or unity in purpose.
סוֹד (sod) – Intimate counsel or divine gathering.
Fellowship In Greek
κοινωνία (koinōnía) – Participation, communion, or sharing in common (Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3).
μετοχή (metochē) – Partnership or joint participation (Hebrews 3:14).
Word Count
The word “fellowship” appears 14 times in the King James Version (KJV):
Old Testament: 1 occurrence
New Testament: 13 occurrences