Lexical Summary timios: Precious, valuable, honorable Original Word: τίμιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dear, honorable, preciousIncluding the comparative timioteros (tim-ee-o'-ter-os), and the superlative timiotatos (tim-ee-o'-tat-os) from time; valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved -- dear, honourable, (more, most) precious, had in reputation. see GREEK time HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5093 tímios (an adjective) – properly, valuable as having recognized value in the eyes of the beholder. See 5092 (timē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom timé Definition valued, precious NASB Translation dear (1), honor (1), precious (8), respected (1), very costly (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5093: τίμιοςτίμιος, τίμια, τίμιον (τιμή), from Homer down; a. properly, held as of great price, i. e. precious: λίθος, Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12, 16; Revelation 21:19; plural 1 Corinthians 3:12 (R. V. costly stones); comparitive τιμιωτερος, 1 Peter 1:7 Rec.; superlative τιμιωτατος, Revelation 18:12; Revelation 21:11. b. metaphorically, held in honor, esteemed, especially dear: Hebrews 13:4; τίνι, to one, Acts 5:34; Acts 20:24 (here with a genitive also, according to the text of T Tr WH (οὐδενός λόγου etc. not worth a word; cf. Meyer at the passage)); καρπός τῆς γῆς, James 5:7; αἷμα, 1 Peter 1:19; ἐπαγγέλματα, 2 Peter 1:4. The adjective τίμιος consistently describes something of exceptional worth or honor, whether material, moral, or relational. In Luke’s narrative (Acts 20:24), Paul appraises his very life as less τίμιος than the completion of his God-given ministry, showing that what is “precious” is defined by divine calling rather than self-preservation. Peter employs the word for the “precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19), identifying the atoning sacrifice as the supreme value in redemptive history. John, writing in Revelation, applies the term to costly stones, pearls, and merchandise (Revelation 18:12, 18:16, 21:11, 21:19), highlighting a contrast between fleeting earthly opulence and the enduring splendor of the New Jerusalem. Christological Focus The description of Christ’s blood as τίμιος (1 Peter 1:19) roots soteriology in the infinite worth of the Savior Himself. The “lamb without blemish or spot” fulfills Old Testament typology (Exodus 12:5; Isaiah 53:7), and the adjective underscores that no other offering in heaven or earth could suffice. The honor attached to Christ’s sacrifice establishes the objective value of the gospel message, safeguarding it from relativism. Precious Promises and Participation in the Divine Nature In 2 Peter 1:4 believers receive “precious and magnificent promises” through which they become “partakers of the divine nature.” The term τίμιος here extends beyond material or sacrificial language to encompass the covenantal assurances of God. These promises, rooted in Christ, carry a value that transcends time and circumstance, enabling moral transformation and escape from “the corruption in the world caused by lust.” Ethical and Pastoral Implications Hebrews exhorts: “Marriage is to be honored (Τίμιος) among all” (Hebrews 13:4). What the marketplace calls common, Scripture esteems as precious, binding holiness to everyday relationships. James 5:7 uses τίμιον for the farmer’s “valuable crop,” illustrating patient endurance until the Lord’s return. Together these uses commend a Christian ethic that treasures God-given institutions and responsibilities. Ministry and Mission Acts 5:34 names Gamaliel as a “teacher of the law held in honor” (τίμιος), showing how perceived value can grant a hearing even in hostile settings. By contrast, Paul’s statement in Acts 20:24 reorders value systems: the gospel mission outweighs personal safety. For contemporary ministry, τίμιος presses leaders to measure success by fidelity rather than acclaim. Eschatological Imagery Revelation contrasts Babylon’s cargo of τίμιος commodities with the “most precious” jasper-like brilliance of the heavenly city (Revelation 18:12–16; 21:11). Earth’s proud commerce collapses, while God’s handiwork endures. The motif warns against idolizing wealth and assures believers that true glory is future and secure. Historical Reception Early Church Fathers linked τίμιος chiefly with the Eucharist and martyrdom, perceiving the elements and the martyr’s blood as reflections of Christ’s own precious blood. The term thus shaped liturgical reverence and emboldened witness amid persecution. Old Testament Parallels The Septuagint frequently renders יָקָר (yāqār, costly, precious) with τίμιος (for example, Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints”). This background situates New Testament usage within a continuum where God alone rightly determines value. Practical Exhortation 1 Corinthian believers are urged to build on the foundation of Christ with “precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12). The admonition calls every generation to labor with motives and materials that will withstand eschatological testing. Life, marriage, ministry, and possessions find their true worth when aligned with the gospel, for only what God calls τίμιος will ultimately remain. Englishman's Concordance Acts 5:34 Adj-NMSGRK: Γαμαλιήλ νομοδιδάσκαλος τίμιος παντὶ τῷ NAS: a teacher of the Law, respected by all KJV: a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all INT: Gamaliel a teacher of the law honored by all the Acts 20:24 Adj-AFS 1 Corinthians 3:12 Adj-AMP Hebrews 13:4 Adj-NMS James 5:7 Adj-AMS 1 Peter 1:19 Adj-DNS 2 Peter 1:4 Adj-NNP Revelation 17:4 Adj-DMS Revelation 18:12 Adj-GFS Revelation 18:12 Adj-GNS-S Revelation 18:16 Adj-DMS Revelation 21:11 Adj-DMS-S Revelation 21:19 Adj-DMS Strong's Greek 5093 |
    |