Koinonia: Why Christians Can Ace National Spelling Bee's Final Word

Although Koinonia, the final word given at this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee, would have stumped many people, it should be a snap to many Christians. It’s derived from the Greek and defined as a “spiritual community,” or more commonly a Christian fellowship or communion, Christianity Today reported.

As such, the word has been used to name a host of Christian ministries, including youth camps, retreats, faith-based bands — and even coffee shops.

Because of that, 14-year-old reigning spelling bee champion Karthik Nemmani said he knew the word the moment it was announced.

Christian author Rachel Held Evans quipped:

If you grew up evangelical in the 90s you can totally spell koinonia because you had a crush on the drummer for a youth group band by that name. https://t.co/ZBOT6xPUUZ

— Rachel Held Evans (@rachelheldevans) June 1, 2018

Sen. Ted Cruz observed that both Nemmani and the speller coming in second place hailed from the Lone Star State. The Texas Republican lawmaker tweeted:

Congrats to Texan Karthik Nemmani for winning the National Spelling Bee. Winning word? “Koinonia” — "the Christian fellowship or body of believers." Second place finisher was also a Texan, Naysa Modi. Awesome job! https://t.co/DwP3kyk5sk

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 1, 2018

Another Christian-based word came up during the course of the competition: pseudepigrapha. It refers to “noncanonical writings said to be authored by biblical figures,” according to Christianity Today.

Nemmani breezed through that one also.

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