5095. Timotheos
Lexical Summary
Timotheos: Timothy

Original Word: Τιμόθεος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Timotheos
Pronunciation: tee-MAW-theh-os
Phonetic Spelling: (tee-moth'-eh-os)
KJV: Timotheus, Timothy
NASB: Timothy
Word Origin: [from G5092 (τιμή - honor) and G2316 (θεός - God)]

1. dear to God
2. Timotheus, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Timothy, Timotheus

From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian -- Timotheus, Timothy.

see GREEK time

see GREEK theos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from timé and theos
Definition
Timothy, a Christian
NASB Translation
Timothy (24).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5095: Τιμόθεος

Τιμόθεος, Τιμοθέου, , vocative Τιμοθη (1 Timothy 6:20; cf. Krüger, § 16 Anm. 2; (Winers Grammar, § 8, 2 c.; Buttmann, 12)), Timothy, a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess, Acts 16:1ff He was Paul's companion in travel, and fellow-laborer: Acts 17:14; Acts 18:5; Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians 2:19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:2, 18; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:2; Philemon 1:1; Hebrews 13:23.

Topical Lexicon
Occurrences in the New Testament

Timothy’s name appears twenty-four times, scattered through the historical narrative of Acts, the Pauline Epistles (both personal and congregational), and one reference in Hebrews. These occurrences trace a striking arc: from a young disciple in Lystra (Acts 16:1) to Paul’s seasoned delegate and finally a fellow prisoner released from confinement (Hebrews 13:23). His presence is noted in every stage of Paul’s missionary activity and epistolary ministry.

Early Life and Conversion

Acts 16:1-3 introduces Timothy as the son of a believing Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Greek father. Paul circumcised him “because of the Jews who lived in that area” (Acts 16:3), enabling Timothy to minister freely in both Jewish and Gentile settings. The faith that first dwelt in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) had already taken root in the young man when Paul arrived, suggesting that Timothy was a fruit of earlier evangelistic outreach.

Companion of Paul

Timothy joined Paul and Silas on the second missionary journey, traveling through Asia Minor and into Macedonia. He is present when the gospel takes root in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Ephesus (Acts 17–20). Luke notes that he “devoted himself fully to the word” alongside Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5). During the third journey Timothy is again with the apostle, included among the team that carried the Jerusalem relief offering (Acts 20:4).

Trusted Emissary

Paul repeatedly dispatched Timothy to troubled churches:
• Thessalonica – “We sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).
• Corinth – “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).
• Philippi – “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… for I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care for your interests” (Philippians 2:19-20).

These missions reveal Paul’s confidence in Timothy’s doctrinal reliability, pastoral sensitivity, and personal integrity.

Co-Author and Greetings

Six canonical letters open with “Paul and Timothy”: 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. His inclusion as co-sender underscores his recognized authority within the Pauline circle; the churches received these epistles as apostolic even with Timothy’s name attached.

Pastoral Oversight in Ephesus

Near the close of Paul’s life, Timothy was stationed in Ephesus to address false teaching and establish healthy church order (1 Timothy 1:3-7). The Pastoral Epistles set forth qualifications for elders and deacons, worship guidelines, and instructions for handling wealth, all entrusted to Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:20 highlights the commission: “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you…”.

Paul’s Personal Affection

Paul calls Timothy “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) and “my beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2). The tenderness peaks in the apostle’s last letter: “Make every effort to come to me quickly” (2 Timothy 4:9). Timothy’s presence is Paul’s dying wish; the spiritual bond forged in ministry had matured into familial love.

Character and Spiritual Qualities

Paul commends Timothy’s proven worth (Philippians 2:22), youthful purity (1 Timothy 4:12), pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). He is urged to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6) and to embody both courage and meekness—“God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7), yet the Lord’s servant must be “gentle toward everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24).

Doctrinal Charges

Timothy is commanded to:
• Guard the gospel deposit (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
• Preach the word in season and out (2 Timothy 4:2).
• Entrust truth to faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Avoid profane empty chatter (1 Timothy 6:20).

In him we see the New Testament transition from apostolic proclamation to the ongoing pastoral defense and dissemination of sound doctrine.

Suffering and Endurance

Timothy witnessed Paul’s persecutions (2 Timothy 3:10-11) and shared hardship: “Join me in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8). 2 Timothy 2:3–4 sums up the call: “Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier entangles himself in civilian affairs; he seeks to please the one who enlisted him.”

Last Biblical Note

Hebrews 13:23 adds a final biographical detail: “Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.” Even after Paul’s death, Timothy continues faithful, enduring imprisonment for the gospel.

Post-New-Testament Tradition

Early church writers (Eusebius, the Acts of Timothy) report that Timothy remained in Ephesus as its first overseer and died a martyr under Domitian or Nerva. While extra-biblical, the tradition accords with the portrait of steadfast loyalty found in Scripture.

Lessons for Contemporary Ministry

1. Spiritual Heritage – God often weaves together family influence and apostolic mentorship.
2. Cross-Cultural Flexibility – Timothy’s mixed background and voluntary circumcision illustrate adaptability for gospel advance.
3. Delegated Authority – Apostolic missions require trustworthy messengers who embody both doctrine and compassion.
4. Perseverance – Timothy models endurance through opposition, illness (1 Timothy 5:23), and imprisonment.
5. Generational Transfer – His charge to entrust truth to others forms the biblical pattern for discipleship and pastoral training.

Timothy stands as Scripture’s seminal example of a second-generation leader: converted through local witness, trained by an apostle, tested in varied assignments, and finally carrying forward the ministry after his mentor’s departure.

Forms and Transliterations
ετιμογράφησε Τιμοθεε Τιμόθεε Τιμοθεον Τιμόθεον ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΣ Τιμόθεος Τιμοθεου Τιμοθέου Τιμοθεω Τιμοθέῳ Timothee Timóthee Timotheo Timotheō Timothéoi Timothéōi Timotheon Timótheon TIMOTHEOS Timótheos Timotheou Timothéou
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 16:1 N-NMS
GRK: ἐκεῖ ὀνόματι Τιμόθεος υἱὸς γυναικὸς
NAS: named Timothy, the son
KJV: named Timotheus, the son
INT: there by name Timothy son of a woman

Acts 17:14 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ Τιμόθεος ἐκεῖ
NAS: and Silas and Timothy remained
KJV: Silas and Timotheus abode there
INT: and Timothy there

Acts 17:15 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ τὸν Τιμόθεον ἵνα ὡς
NAS: for Silas and Timothy to come
KJV: Silas and Timotheus for to come
INT: and Timothy that as

Acts 18:5 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ Τιμόθεος συνείχετο τῷ
NAS: Silas and Timothy came down
KJV: Silas and Timotheus were come from
INT: and Timothy was occupied with the

Acts 19:22 N-AMS
GRK: διακονούντων αὐτῷ Τιμόθεον καὶ Ἔραστον
NAS: who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus,
KJV: unto him, Timotheus and
INT: ministered to him Timothy and Erastus

Acts 20:4 N-NMS
GRK: Δερβαῖος καὶ Τιμόθεος Ἀσιανοὶ δὲ
NAS: of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus
KJV: of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia,
INT: of Derbe and Timothy Asia moreover

Romans 16:21 N-NMS
GRK: Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεος ὁ συνεργός
NAS: Timothy my fellow worker greets
KJV: Timotheus my workfellow,
INT: greets you Timothy the fellow worker

1 Corinthians 4:17 N-AMS
GRK: ἔπεμψα ὑμῖν Τιμόθεον ὅς ἐστίν
NAS: I have sent to you Timothy, who
KJV: have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is
INT: I sent to you Timothy who is

1 Corinthians 16:10 N-NMS
GRK: δὲ ἔλθῃ Τιμόθεος βλέπετε ἵνα
NAS: Now if Timothy comes, see
KJV: Now if Timotheus come, see
INT: moreover come Timothy see that

2 Corinthians 1:1 N-NMS
GRK: θεοῦ καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς
NAS: of God, and Timothy [our] brother,
KJV: and Timothy [our] brother,
INT: of God and Timothy the brother

2 Corinthians 1:19 N-GMS
GRK: Σιλουανοῦ καὶ Τιμοθέου οὐκ ἐγένετο
NAS: you by us -- by me and Silvanus and Timothy-- was not yes
KJV: Silvanus and Timotheus, was not
INT: Silvanus and Timothy not was

Philippians 1:1 N-NMS
GRK: ΠΑΥΛΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΣ δοῦλοι Χριστοῦ
NAS: Paul and Timothy, bond-servants
KJV: and Timotheus, the servants
INT: Paul and Timothy servants of Christ

Philippians 2:19 N-AMS
GRK: κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Τιμόθεον ταχέως πέμψαι
NAS: to send Timothy to you shortly,
KJV: to send Timotheus shortly
INT: [the] Lord Jesus Timothy soon to send

Colossians 1:1 N-NMS
GRK: θεοῦ καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς
NAS: of God, and Timothy our brother,
KJV: of God, and Timotheus [our] brother,
INT: of God and Timothy the brother

1 Thessalonians 1:1 N-NMS
GRK: ΣΙΛΟΥΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΣ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ
NAS: and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church
KJV: and Timotheus, unto the church
INT: Silvanus and Timothy to the church

1 Thessalonians 3:2 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ ἐπέμψαμεν Τιμόθεον τὸν ἀδελφὸν
NAS: and we sent Timothy, our brother
KJV: And sent Timotheus, our brother,
INT: and sent Timothy the brother

1 Thessalonians 3:6 N-GMS
GRK: δὲ ἐλθόντος Τιμοθέου πρὸς ἡμᾶς
NAS: But now that Timothy has come
KJV: But now when Timotheus came from
INT: moreover having come Timothy to us

2 Thessalonians 1:1 N-NMS
GRK: ΣΙΛΟΥΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΣ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ
NAS: and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church
KJV: and Timotheus, unto the church
INT: Silvanus and Timothy to the church

1 Timothy 1:2 N-DMS
GRK: Τιμοθέῳ γνησίῳ τέκνῳ
NAS: To Timothy, [my] TRUE child
KJV: Unto Timothy, [my] own son
INT: to Timothy [my] true child

1 Timothy 1:18 N-VMS
GRK: σοι τέκνον Τιμόθεε κατὰ τὰς
NAS: I entrust to you, Timothy, [my] son,
KJV: son Timothy, according to
INT: to you [my] child Timothy according to the

1 Timothy 6:20 N-VMS
GRK: Τιμόθεε τὴν παραθήκην
NAS: O Timothy, guard
KJV: O Timothy, keep
INT: O Timothy the deposit committed [to you]

2 Timothy 1:2 N-DMS
GRK: Τιμοθέῳ ἀγαπητῷ τέκνῳ
NAS: To Timothy, my beloved son:
KJV: To Timothy, [my] dearly beloved son:
INT: to Timothy [my] beloved child

Philemon 1:1 N-NMS
GRK: Ἰησοῦ καὶ Τιμόθεος ὁ ἀδελφὸς
NAS: Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
KJV: and Timothy [our] brother,
INT: Jesus and Timothy the brother

Hebrews 13:23 N-AMS
GRK: ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν Τιμόθεον ἀπολελυμένον μεθ'
NAS: that our brother Timothy has been released,
KJV: that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty;
INT: brother of us Timothy has been released with

Strong's Greek 5095
24 Occurrences


Τιμόθεε — 2 Occ.
Τιμοθέῳ — 2 Occ.
Τιμόθεον — 6 Occ.
Τιμόθεος — 12 Occ.
Τιμοθέου — 2 Occ.

5094
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