### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G1784 ἔντιμος (éntimos) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "among," and the noun τιμή (timē), which signifies "honor," "value," "price," or "esteem." Therefore, its core meaning is "in honor," "having honor," or "held in high regard." Semantically, it extends to convey the sense of being "valued," "precious," "esteemed," "honorable," or "dear." It denotes not merely an outward reputation, but an inherent or ascribed worth that commands respect and high estimation. The word implies a deep appreciation for the intrinsic quality or significance of a person or object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1784 ἔντιμος appears five times in the New Testament, offering varied yet consistent insights into its application:
* **[[Luke 7:2]]**: "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die." Here, éntimos describes the centurion's servant as "dear" or "valued" to his master. This highlights a personal, cherished relationship, indicating the servant's significance and worth in the centurion's eyes, prompting him to seek Christ's help.
* **[[Luke 14:8]]**: "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;" In this parable, éntimos is used comparatively ("more honorable"). It refers to a person of higher social standing or greater esteem, underscoring Jesus' teaching on humility and the dangers of self-exaltation in social settings.
* **[[Philippians 2:29]]**: "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:" Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to "hold in reputation" Epaphroditus, who risked his life for the gospel. This usage emphasizes the recognition and high esteem due to those who faithfully serve Christ, particularly those who demonstrate sacrificial love and dedication.
* **[[1 Peter 2:4]]**: "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,"
* **[[1 Peter 2:6]]**: "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:" In both instances in 1 Peter, éntimos is applied to Jesus Christ, describing Him as "precious" to God. Despite being rejected ("disallowed") by humanity, Christ is divinely chosen and possesses supreme inherent worth in God's eyes. He is the "chief cornerstone," foundational and invaluable to God's spiritual temple. This usage elevates the term to its highest theological significance, revealing God's own estimation of His Son.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G1784 ἔντιμος includes several closely related terms:
* G5092 τιμή (timē): The root noun, meaning "honor," "value," "price," "reverence." éntimos directly derives its core meaning from this.
* G5093 τίμιος (timios): An adjective directly from τιμή, also meaning "precious," "honorable," "esteemed." This word is almost synonymous and often used interchangeably in contexts of value.
* G4185 πολύτιμος (polytimos): Meaning "very precious" or "very costly," emphasizing an even higher degree of value or expense.
* G1741 ἔνδοξος (endoxos): Meaning "glorious," "honorable," "splendid." While similar, endoxos often carries a connotation of outward glory or renown, whereas éntimos focuses more on inherent worth or high estimation.
* Concepts such as worth, dignity, respect, esteem, and reverence are all intertwined with the meaning of éntimos.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1784 ἔντιμος is profound, particularly in its application to Christ.
Firstly, its use in **1 Peter 2:4, 6** reveals the divine valuation of Jesus Christ. Despite being rejected by human beings, Christ is "chosen of God, and precious." This underscores His unique, incomparable worth in the eyes of the Father and His indispensable role as the "chief cornerstone" of God's redemptive plan. This divine estimation of Christ forms the bedrock of Christian faith.
Secondly, the term speaks to the **derived preciousness of believers**. As living stones built upon the éntimos cornerstone (Christ), believers are also made "precious" in God's sight. Their value is not inherent but is graciously bestowed through their union with Christ, making them part of God's "spiritual house" and "holy priesthood" ([[1 Peter 2:5]], [[1 Peter 2:9]]).
Thirdly, éntimos carries **ethical and communal implications**. It encourages believers to cultivate humility, as seen in [[Luke 14:8]], by not seeking the most honorable positions for themselves. Conversely, it calls for mutual honor and recognition within the body of Christ, urging believers to "hold in reputation" ([[Philippians 2:29]]) those who faithfully serve the Lord, such as Epaphroditus. It reminds us to value others, even those in less prominent roles, as exemplified by the centurion's "dear" servant ([[Luke 7:2]]).
### Summary
G1784 ἔντιμος is a significant Greek term signifying something or someone "in honor," "valued," "precious," or "esteemed." Derived from ἐν (in) and τιμή (honor, value), it denotes an inherent or ascribed worth that commands high regard. Its biblical occurrences range from describing a "dear" servant ([[Luke 7:2]]) and a "more honorable" guest ([[Luke 14:8]]) to its most profound application to Jesus Christ as the "precious" and elect cornerstone ([[1 Peter 2:4]], [[1 Peter 2:6]]). The term underscores God's supreme valuation of His Son, and by extension, the derived preciousness of believers who are united with Christ. Furthermore, it provides ethical guidance for human relationships, encouraging humility and the valuing of faithful service within the Christian community ([[Philippians 2:29]]). Ultimately, éntimos highlights the profound worth of Christ and the call for believers to reflect God's valuing perspective in their interactions and estimations.
TRV