Bible Encyclopedias
Common

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(κοινός ). The Greek term properly signifies what belongs to all (as in Wisdom of Solomon 6:3, κοινὸς ἀήρ ), but the Hellenists applied it (like the Hebrew הֹל ) to what was profane, i.e. not holy, and therefore of common or promiscuous use (Acts 10:14). They also applied the term to what was inpure, whether naturally or legally (as in Mark 7:2, compared with 1 Maccabees 1:47; 1 Maccabees 1:62). Finally, it was used of meats forbidden, or such as had been partaken of by idolaters, and which, as they rendered the partakers thereof impure, were themselves called κοινά (common), and ἀκάθαρτα (unclean) (see Kuinil on Acts 10:14). (See CLEAN).

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Common'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​c/common.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.