### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb τιμάω (timáō - `{{G5091}}`) is derived from the adjective τίμιος (timios - `{{G5092}}`), meaning "precious," "valuable," or "honorable." At its root, τιμάω signifies the act of "fixing a valuation upon" something or someone, to "prize" or "estimate the worth" of an object or individual. This core sense of assigning value naturally extends to the implication of "revering" or "honoring" someone, recognizing and acknowledging their inherent or ascribed worth. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the literal setting of a price or value (e.g., [[Matthew 27:9]]) and, more commonly in the New Testament, the act of showing respect, esteem, or reverence. The nuance of the word lies in recognizing and responding appropriately to the dignity, authority, or significance of the object of honor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb τιμάω (timáō - `{{G5091}}`) appears 21 times in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
1. **Monetary Valuation:** In a few instances, τιμάω retains its literal sense of setting a price. For example, [[Matthew 27:9]] refers to "the price at which He was valued," speaking of Jesus. Similarly, [[Acts 4:34]] mentions selling possessions and bringing "the prices" (τιμάς, the related noun) of what was sold, though the verb itself is not used here, the concept is present.
2. **Honoring Parents:** A prominent ethical application is the command to honor one's parents. Jesus directly quotes the Old Testament commandment in [[Matthew 15:4]] and [[Mark 7:10]], emphasizing its enduring validity and condemning practices that circumvent it. This "honor" implies not only respect but also practical care and provision.
3. **Honoring Christ and God:** A profound theological usage is found in [[John 5:23]], where Jesus declares, "that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father." This statement underscores the co-equality and divine nature of Christ, asserting that the same reverence and worship due to the Father are also due to the Son. To dishonor the Son is to dishonor the Father.
4. **Honoring Spiritual Leaders and Widows:** The Apostle Paul uses τιμάω in instructions regarding church order and care. In [[1 Timothy 5:17]], elders who rule well are deemed "worthy of double honor," which often implies both respect and financial support. Similarly, "honor widows who are truly widows" in [[1 Timothy 5:3]] suggests both a respectful acknowledgment of their status and the provision of necessary care by the church.
5. **Honoring All People and Authorities:** Peter broadens the scope of honor in [[1 Peter 2:17]], commanding believers to "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." This verse encapsulates a comprehensive ethic of respect: for all humanity as God's creation, for fellow believers as family, for God in reverence, and for governing authorities as divinely instituted.
6. **Honoring the Body:** In a unique metaphorical usage, [[1 Corinthians 12:23-24]] speaks of how "those parts of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor," illustrating God's design for the church where seemingly less prominent members are given special care and respect, reflecting His own valuing of the humble.
Across these contexts, τιμάω consistently conveys the idea of recognizing and acknowledging worth, leading to appropriate expressions of respect, reverence, and practical support.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of τιμάω (timáō - `{{G5091}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship with other Greek terms:
* **τίμιος (timios - `{{G5092}}`):** The adjective from which τιμάω is derived, meaning "precious," "honorable," "costly," or "esteemed." This direct etymological link highlights that the act of "honoring" (τιμάω) stems from perceiving something or someone as "valuable" or "honorable" (τίμιος).
* **τιμή (timē - `{{G5092}}`):** The corresponding noun, meaning "honor," "price," "value," "respect," or "dignity." This noun often appears in contexts parallel to the verb, such as "double honor" for elders ([[1 Timothy 5:17]]) or the "honor and glory" given to God ([[Revelation 4:9]]).
* **δοξάζω (doxazō - `{{G1392}}`):** To glorify, to honor, to magnify. While τιμάω focuses on assigning worth and showing respect, δοξάζω often emphasizes giving renown, praise, or splendor, particularly to God. There is overlap in the context of honoring God, but δοξάζω tends to be more about exalting His inherent glory.
* **σέβομαι (sebōmai - `{{G4576}}`):** To worship, to revere. This verb carries a stronger connotation of awe and devotion, typically used in religious contexts for reverence towards God or deities. While τιμάω can imply reverence, σέβομαι is more explicitly about worshipful veneration.
* **ἀτιμάζω (atimazō - `{{G818}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "to dishonor," "to treat with contempt," or "to disgrace." This contrast highlights the reciprocal nature of honor and dishonor in biblical thought.
* **ἀτιμία (atimia - `{{G819}}`):** The noun form of the antonym, meaning "dishonor," "disgrace," or "ignominy."
These related terms collectively paint a fuller picture of the biblical concept of honor, its various expressions, and its antithesis.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τιμάω (timáō - `{{G5091}}`) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Christological Affirmation:** The imperative to "honor the Son, just as they honor the Father" ([[John 5:23]]) is a cornerstone of New Testament Christology. It unequivocally asserts the divine status and co-equality of Jesus with God the Father. For the believer, honoring Christ is not optional but essential to true worship and a proper relationship with God.
2. **Foundation of Ethical Conduct:** The command to honor parents ([[Matthew 15:4]], [[Ephesians 6:2]]) underscores the enduring importance of familial respect and care as a foundational element of God's moral law and healthy society. This principle extends to honoring all people ([[1 Peter 2:17]]), reflecting the inherent dignity of humanity as created in God's image, and to honoring governing authorities, recognizing their divine institution ([[1 Peter 2:17]]).
3. **Principles of Church Life:** Within the Christian community, τιμάω guides the treatment of leaders and vulnerable members. Honoring elders ([[1 Timothy 5:17]]) signifies respect for their spiritual authority and recognition of their labor, often implying material support. Honoring widows ([[1 Timothy 5:3]]) demonstrates the church's compassionate responsibility to care for its most vulnerable, embodying practical love.
4. **God's Valuing System:** The application of τιμάω to the physical body in [[1 Corinthians 12:23-24]] reveals a counter-cultural aspect of God's economy of honor. God gives "greater honor" to those parts that seem less presentable, illustrating His valuing of the humble, the weak, and the often-overlooked. This principle translates to the body of Christ, where every member, regardless of perceived status, is valued and worthy of honor.
In essence, τιμάω encapsulates a theological principle that true honor flows from a proper understanding and acknowledgment of worth, whether that worth is inherent (as in God and humanity) or ascribed by divine design (as in parents, authorities, or church leaders). It calls believers to a life of reverent respect and appropriate action, reflecting God's own valuing heart.
### Summary
The Greek verb τιμάω (timáō - `{{G5091}}`) carries the core meaning of "to prize" or "to fix a valuation upon," deriving from the concept of preciousness (τίμιος - `{{G5092}}`). In its most common New Testament usage, it signifies "to honor" or "to revere," reflecting a recognition and appropriate response to the worth, dignity, or authority of an individual or entity. This honor is broadly applied: it is commanded towards God the Father and the Son, underscoring Christ's divine co-equality ([[John 5:23]]); it is a fundamental ethical duty towards parents ([[Matthew 15:4]]) and all humanity ([[1 Peter 2:17]]); and it guides the church's treatment of its leaders ([[1 Timothy 5:17]]) and vulnerable members ([[1 Timothy 5:3]]). The theological significance of τιμάω lies in its affirmation of Christ's divine nature, its establishment of foundational ethical principles for family and society, and its revelation of God's valuing heart, which extends honor even to the seemingly less esteemed. Ultimately, τιμάω calls believers to a life characterized by reverent respect, practical care, and a profound appreciation for the inherent and ascribed worth of all that God has ordained.
TRV