τιμάω

timáō /tim-ah'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom τίμιος
Meaningto prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere
KJV usagehonour, value.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word timáō, represented by G5091, means to prize or fix a valuation upon, and by implication, to revere. It appears 22 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. Its dual meaning encompasses both assigning a tangible value or price to something and showing deep respect or reverence toward a person or being.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, G5091 is central to several key commandments and theological concepts. It is frequently used in the context of the fifth commandment, instructing believers to honour their father and mother, which is described as the "first commandment with promise" Ephesians 6:2. The word is also used to distinguish between superficial worship and genuine reverence, as when Jesus quotes Isaiah to describe hypocrites who honour God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him Matthew 15:8. Furthermore, it defines the relationship between the Father and the Son, stating that all should honour the Son just as they honour the Father John 5:23.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G5091:

  • G5092 timḗ (honour, precious, price, some): As the noun form, it represents the value or esteem itself. It is used for the "price" of him that was valued, directly connecting the concept of honor to monetary valuation Matthew 27:9.
  • G2551 kakologéō (to revile): This word stands in direct contrast to G5091. In passages quoting the law, the command to honour one's parents is immediately followed by the consequence for one who "curseth" them Mark 7:10.
  • G818 atimázō (to render infamous, i.e. (by implication) contemn or maltreat): This direct antonym means to dishonor. Jesus uses it to contrast his own actions with those of his accusers, saying, "I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me" John 8:49.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5091 is significant, highlighting key aspects of Christian life and doctrine.

  • True Worship: The word is used to draw a sharp line between outward observance and inward devotion. True honour for God cannot be performed by lips alone but must come from the heart Mark 7:6.
  • Divine Unity: The act of honoring the Son is inseparable from honoring the Father. Failure to honour the Son is a failure to honour the Father who sent him, reinforcing their co-equal nature John 5:23.
  • Familial and Social Duty: The concept of honour is a cornerstone of societal relationships. It is a command to be applied to parents Matthew 19:19, all men, and the king 1 Peter 2:17.
  • Divine Reward: Scripture indicates that God reciprocates honour. For those who serve Christ, the Father will honour them, showing that honor is part of the relationship between God and His followers John 12:26.

Summary

In summary, G5091 carries a profound meaning that extends beyond simple respect. It involves a conscious valuation, a deep reverence that is foundational to one's relationship with God, family, and society. Whether referring to the price set upon Jesus or the reverence due to the Father, timáō teaches that true honour is an active, heartfelt estimation of worth, not merely a superficial gesture.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 20 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Singular 7×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Middle Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 16 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Matthew (5 verses).

5
Matthew
3
Mark
1
Luke
3
John
1
Acts
1
Ephesians
1
1 Timothy
1
1 Peter

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