Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "partner" often refers to individuals who share in a common purpose, mission, or relationship, particularly in the service of God and the advancement of His kingdom. The concept of partnership is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and mutual support among believers.
Old Testament ContextThe idea of partnership can be seen in the Old Testament through various relationships and covenants. For example, the partnership between Moses and Aaron illustrates a divinely ordained collaboration. God appointed Aaron to assist Moses, saying, "He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him" (
Exodus 4:16). This partnership was crucial for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
Another example is the partnership between David and Jonathan. Their friendship and covenantal relationship exemplify loyalty and mutual support. Jonathan's commitment to David, even at the cost of his own future as king, highlights the depth of their partnership (
1 Samuel 18:3-4).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of partnership is further developed, particularly in the context of the early church. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to his fellow workers as partners in the gospel. In
Philippians 1:5, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" . This partnership involved financial support, prayer, and shared mission.
Paul also uses the term "fellow worker" to describe individuals like Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, indicating a partnership in ministry. In
2 Corinthians 8:23, he refers to Titus as "my partner and fellow worker among you" , underscoring the collaborative nature of their mission work.
Spiritual PartnershipThe New Testament also emphasizes spiritual partnership among believers. In
1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building" . This verse highlights the cooperative effort between God and His people in building His kingdom. Believers are called to work together, each contributing their unique gifts and talents to the body of Christ.
The concept of partnership extends to marriage, where the union between husband and wife is seen as a partnership ordained by God. In
Ephesians 5:31, Paul quotes Genesis, saying, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" . This partnership is characterized by mutual love, respect, and submission, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of partnership is multifaceted, encompassing relationships between individuals, within the church, and with God. It underscores the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared purpose in fulfilling God's will and advancing His kingdom. Through partnerships, believers are strengthened, encouraged, and equipped to carry out their divine calling.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who has a part in anything with an other; a partaker; an associate; a sharer. Partner of his fortune. Shak. Hence: (a) A husband or a wife. (b) Either one of a couple who dance together. (c) One who shares as a member of a partnership in the management, or in the gains and losses, of a business.
2. (n.) An associate in any business or occupation; a member of a partnership. See Partnership.
3. (n.) A framework of heavy timber surrounding an opening in a deck, to strengthen it for the support of a mast, pump, capstan, or the like.
4. (v. t.) To associate, to join.
Greek
2844. koinonos -- a sharer... a sharer. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: koinonos Phonetic Spelling:
(koy-no-nos') Short Definition: a sharer,
partner Definition: a sharer
...3353. metochos -- sharing in
... sharing in. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: metochos Phonetic Spelling:
(met'-okh-os) Short Definition: a sharer,partner Definition: a sharer...
4791. sugkoinonos -- partaking jointly of
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sugkoinonos Phonetic Spelling:
(soong-koy-no-nos') Short Definition: a partaker with, co-partner Definition: a...
4909. suneudokeo -- to join in approving
... from 4862 , "identity " and 2106 , "seems good") -- properly, to in a "" (), in
keeping with the involved (note the ); to cooperate with apartner to reach, ie...
630. apoluo -- to set free, release
... 630 ("to release") is specifically used of a maritalpartner (Mt 1:19,
5:31,32, 19:7-9 -- parallels at Mk 10:2-12; Lk 16:18). : The...
5563. chorizo -- to separate, divide
... 5563 ("vacate"), as in the papyri, refers to a marriagepartner who the
relationship in soul or body (cf. Moulton-Milligan, 696)....
2086. heterozugeo -- to be yoked up differently, ie to be...
... 2086 ("mis-matched") is used figuratively of Christians to apartner holding (),
ie that run contrary to faith (the ). : Scripture...
2135. eunouchos -- a eunuch
... 2135 -- properly, "alone in bed" (ie without a marriagepartner) -- literally, a
(emasculated) man; a ; " 'a chamberlain, keeper of the bed-chamber' of an...
4865. sunagonizomai -- to strive with
... strive together with. From sun and agonizomai; to struggle in company with, ie
(figuratively) to be apartner (assistant) -- strive together with....
4777. sugkakopatheo -- to bear evil treatment along with
... from 4862 , "identified closely " and 2553 , "to suffer harm") -- properly, suffer
because ; to endure hardship someone as a , ie as a truepartner (comrade)....
Strong's Hebrew
2271. chabbar -- associate,partner (in a trade)... associate,
partner (in a trade). Transliteration: chabbar Phonetic Spelling:
(khab-bawr') Short Definition: traders.
... From chabar; a
partner -- companion.
...2505a. chalaq -- to divide, share
... distribute (1), distributed (2), divide (12), divided (18), divides (1), dividing
(2), given her a share (1), parcel (1), parceled (1),partner (1), portion (2...
Library
But Let us Come to These Two Commentaries which He Alone Excepts...
... Even here recognize in his arguments the influence of him who is as his fellow,
hispartner and his brother mystic, to use his own expression....
2 Cor. viii. 16
... He was chosen by us; and unto the same office with Paul, and everywhere waspartner
with him, both in his trials and in his dangers, for this is implied in the...
The Adventures of Saint Denis of France.
... His only perplexity was discovering that his fairpartner did not speak; indeed,
although all the knights and ladies danced in the most lively way, closely...
I Knew How it Would Be.
... "With Dalton?". "Yes. Dalton is either a knave or a fool. The former, I believe;
but in either case the result will be the same to hispartner....
Why was Evolution the Method Chosen?
... and too impotent to do more than play his little part, the discovery must sooner
or later break upon him that Nature meant him to become apartner in her task...
The Home and the Boy
... tendency today, as far as the boy is concerned, is an utter disregard on the part
of the father and mother of the importance of the boy as apartner in the...
Removal to Stamford-Hill, and Commencement of the Fifth...
... How my soul overflows with gratitude to my Heavenly Father that he has united me
to such apartner, who takes more than a full share in all my sorrows; and...
Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... The East India Company an unwillingpartner of Carey"Calcutta opened to the Mission
by his appointment as Government teacher of Bengali"Meeting of 1802...
There is this Further, that in that Very Debt which Married...
... As if any, being unable alone to rob a man, should find apartner in his iniquity,
and make an agreement with him to do it together, and to divide the spoil...
Breaking with God.
... broken. And one who would be apartner with God up to the limit of his power
must understand the things that hinder the prayer plan....
Thesaurus
Partner (8 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) One who has a part in anything with an other; a partaker; an associate;
a sharer.
Partner of his fortune. Shak.
...Partner (8 Occurrences).
...Fellow-partner (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-partner. Fellow-partakers, Fellow-partner. Fellowprisoner .
Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-partner (1 Occurrence)....
Divorce (18 Occurrences)
... as plainly as in the argument with the Pharisees put Moses' permission of divorce
under ban; as plainly there declared the putting away of onepartner to marry...
Taste (46 Occurrences)
... as plainly as in the argument with the Pharisees put Moses' permission of divorce
under ban; as plainly there declared the putting away of onepartner to marry...
Fellow (166 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A companion; a comrade; an associate; apartner;
a sharer.... In composition, "fellow" always meanspartner or companion....
Yokefellow
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) An associate or companion in, or as in; a mate;
a fellow; especially, apartner in marriage. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Associate (20 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To join with one, as a friend, companion,partner, or confederate; as,
to associate others with us in business, or in an enterprise....
Partners (9 Occurrences)
Partly (7 Occurrences)
Titus (15 Occurrences)
... "Whether any inquire about Titus, he is mypartner and fellow-worker to you-ward"
(2 Corinthians 8:23). John Rutherfurd. TITUS JUSTUS. tish'-us jus'-tus....
Resources
What should I look for in an accountability partner? | GotQuestions.orgIs it allowable for a Christian to have a life partner without a civil marriage? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should a believer do if his or her spouse chooses to live a transgender lifestyle? | GotQuestions.orgPartner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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