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2 Corinthians 13:14
King James Version
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
I looked up this text in a number of English translations. The
vast majority of the translations of the Greek word koinonia use “fellowship” where the King James uses the word “communion”. I asked myself
what the difference between fellowship and communion is. Obviously, fellowship
comes from the word “fellow” which indicates a person, in particular a friend,
a companion. On the other hand, communion comes from “union” which indicates a
much more personal, intimate, relationship.
When we think of Jesus Christ, the New Testament writers
want us to think of a human being, so He would be a friend in a very real
sense. In 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,” the
word fellowship is translated from koinonia because Jesus Christ is indeed our friend or brother.
When we think of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit,
we do not think of Him as a human being, but rather as a spirit. As such He
would not be a fellow or a human friend, so His relationship with us is much
more intimate, much more that of a true union. Paul is hoping that He will
become a part of us. Therefore, the King James version probably captures Paul’s
intention more accurately than the rather mechanical substitution of the
majority of translations that I consulted.
Dear Lord, may Your grace and love and communion
be mine today. Amen.
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