Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἑταῖρος, similar concepts of companionship and friendship can be found in Hebrew words such as רֵעַ (rea, Strong's Hebrew 7453), which means "friend" or "companion," and חָבֵר (chaver, Strong's Hebrew 2270), meaning "associate" or "companion." These terms similarly convey the idea of fellowship and association in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Usage: The term ἑταῖρος is used in the New Testament to refer to someone who is a companion or associate, often in a context that implies a close or significant relationship. It appears in contexts where the nature of companionship or fellowship is highlighted.

Context: The Greek word ἑταῖρος (hetairos) appears in the New Testament primarily in the Gospel of Matthew. It is used in contexts that emphasize companionship or association, often with a nuance of irony or betrayal. For instance, in Matthew 20:13, the term is used in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where the landowner addresses one of the workers as "friend" (ἑταῖρε) when explaining the fairness of his wages: "But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Did you not agree with me on one denarius?’" (BSB).

Another significant usage is found in Matthew 22:12, in the parable of the wedding banquet, where the king addresses a guest without wedding clothes as "friend": "‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless." (BSB). This usage underscores the expectation of proper conduct within the context of fellowship.

The most poignant use of ἑταῖρος is in Matthew 26:50, during the betrayal of Jesus by Judas: "Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came for.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him." (BSB). Here, the term is laden with irony, as Judas's actions are the antithesis of true friendship.

The use of ἑταῖρος in these passages highlights the complexity of human relationships and the expectations of loyalty and integrity within them. It serves as a reminder of the deeper spiritual and moral implications of companionship in the biblical narrative.