### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Τιμαῖος (Timaios), transliterated as Timæus, appears to be derived from the Greek word τιμή (timē), meaning "honor," "value," "price," or "esteem" (cf. `{{G5092}}`). Thus, the most widely accepted etymology suggests that Timæus means "honorable," "esteemed," or "revered." This aligns with common Greek naming conventions where names often convey positive attributes.
It is important to note the Strong's definition's suggestion of a "Chaldee origin (compare טָמֵא)" (`{{H2930}}`), which means "unclean." This proposed Semitic connection is less commonly accepted among scholars for the Greek name Timæus, primarily due to the significant semantic dissonance between "unclean" and the positive connotation of the Greek root *timē*. While phonetic similarities can exist across languages, a name meaning "unclean" would be highly unusual for an Israelite, especially one whose son is presented in a context of divine healing and restoration. Therefore, the prevailing scholarly consensus leans towards a Greek derivation, emphasizing the meaning "honorable."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Τιμαῖος (Timaios) occurs only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* [[Mark 10:46]]: "And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timæus, was sitting by the roadside."
In this sole occurrence, Timæus is not an active character but is identified as the father of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar whom Jesus heals. The name "Bartimaeus" is Aramaic, meaning "son of Timæus." The inclusion of the father's name, while not always present in similar healing narratives, serves to provide specific identification for Bartimaeus, grounding him in a lineage. While Timæus himself remains in the background, his name provides a subtle layer of context to his son's identity and journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related Greek words, assuming the derivation from *timē*, are:
* τιμή (timē) `{{G5092}}`: "honor," "value," "price," "esteem," "respect." This noun forms the semantic core of Timæus.
* τιμάω (timao) `{{G5091}}`: "to honor," "to value," "to esteem." This verb is directly related to the concept of bestowing honor.
These Greek terms are central to understanding the concept of honor and value throughout the New Testament, whether referring to the honor due to God, to Christ, or to human beings.
In contrast, if one were to follow the less probable Strong's suggestion of a Chaldee origin related to טָמֵא (ṭāmêʾ) `{{H2930}}`, the related concepts would be "uncleanliness," "impurity," and ritual defilement, which stand in stark opposition to the positive connotations of the Greek root. Given the context of the New Testament and the Hellenistic world, the Greek derivation is far more linguistically and semantically coherent.
The concept of "Bar-" (son of) in naming is a common Semitic patronymic, indicating lineage and identity through the father. This highlights the importance of family and heritage in the biblical world.
### Theological Significance
While Timæus himself does not play a direct role in the narrative, the meaning of his name, "honorable" or "esteemed," can carry subtle theological resonance when considered in relation to his son, Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, occupied a marginalized and often dishonorable position in society. His blindness rendered him dependent, and his begging marked him as an outcast.
Yet, he is the "son of Honor" (Bartimaeus, son of Timæus). This juxtaposition is compelling: a son of honor who lives in a state of dishonor. Jesus' act of healing Bartimaeus is not merely a physical restoration but also a profound act of social and spiritual restoration. By restoring his sight, Jesus restores Bartimaeus's dignity, his ability to participate fully in society, and ultimately, his ability to follow Jesus on the way. The "son of Honor" is thus truly honored by the Son of God, moving from a state of physical and social blindness to one of spiritual insight and discipleship. This highlights Jesus' ministry as one that brings honor, value, and restoration to those who are marginalized and forgotten.
### Summary
Τιμαῖος (Timaios) is a Greek proper noun, most likely meaning "honorable" or "esteemed," derived from the Greek word for "honor" (τιμή, `{{G5092}}`). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Mark 10:46]], where Timæus is identified as the father of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar healed by Jesus. While Timæus himself is not a direct participant in the narrative, the meaning of his name subtly enriches the account of his son. The "son of Honor" (Bartimaeus) is brought from a state of societal dishonor and physical blindness into the light of Christ's healing and discipleship, underscoring Jesus' power to bestow honor and restoration upon the marginalized.
TRV