The Greek word timḗ, represented by G5092, is a term for value. Appearing 43 times across 42 unique verses, its meaning encompasses both a tangible, monetary price and an intangible esteem or honour. The word's definition points to a value, money paid, valuables, and by analogy, esteem of the highest degree or dignity itself.
Beyond its direct applications as monetary cost or reverential esteem, G5092 also conveys the sense of inherent worth that merits such recognition, often manifesting as dignity or privilege. This intrinsic value can be divinely bestowed or contextually recognized, prompting an active response of respect or preferential treatment. Thus, timḗ functions not only as a measurement of what something is worth but also as a designation of how that worth is to be regarded and treated, establishing a standard for appropriate conduct and reverence.
In scripture, G5092 is used in several distinct ways. It refers to a literal monetary price, as when Ananias kept back part of the price of the land Acts 5:3 or when believers are reminded "ye are bought with a price" 1 Corinthians 6:20. It is also the word used for the betrayal money, the "price of blood" Matthew 27:6. The term is also foundational to worship, where honour is ascribed to God and Christ. Jesus is crowned with glory and honour Hebrews 2:9, and heavenly beings declare the Lord worthy to receive glory and honour and power Revelation 4:11. It also applies to human relationships, instructing believers to prefer one another in honour Romans 12:10 and for husbands to give honour to their wives 1 Peter 3:7.
The term G5092 further illuminates the dynamics of respect and status within the believing community and wider society. It describes the intentional act of bestowing greater honour upon those members of the body perceived as less comely, underscoring a principle of divine design and compensatory care within the church 1 Corinthians 12:23-24. Honour is also presented as a quality to be sought through patient well-doing, leading to eternal life for those who seek 'glory and honour and immortality' Romans 2:7, and is promised to 'every man that worketh good' Romans 2:10. Moreover, timḗ signifies a divinely appointed status, as seen in the assertion that 'no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God' for priestly service, as was Aaron Hebrews 5:4. It also applies to personal conduct, where believers are exhorted to 'possess his vessel in sanctification and honour' 1 Thessalonians 4:4, emphasizing personal dignity and purity.
Several related words clarify the meaning of value and esteem:
- G5091 timáō (to prize, to revere): This is the verb form of G5092. It is used to describe how the children of Israel did value the one whose price was thirty pieces of silver Matthew 27:9.
- G5093 tímios (valuable, precious, dear): This adjective describes something as costly or honored. Faith is described as "more precious" than gold, the trial of which results in praise, honour G5092, and glory 1 Peter 1:7.
- G819 atimía (dishonour, shame, vile): As the direct opposite, this word provides a sharp contrast. In a great house there are vessels made for honour G5092 and others for dishonour (2 Timothy 2:20; Romans 9:21).
- G1391 dóxa (glory): This word for "glory" is frequently paired with honour, particularly in contexts of worship. God the Father receives honour and glory 2 Peter 1:17, and every creature gives blessing and honour and glory to the Lamb Revelation 5:13.
- G5094 timiótēs (preciousness, costliness, honorableness): This abstract noun, derived from G5093 tímios, denotes the quality or state of being valuable, precious, or highly esteemed. It encapsulates the inherent worth and honorableness that G5092 signifies, highlighting the intrinsic preciousness that elicits honour.
The theological significance of G5092 is profound, touching on redemption, worship, and Christian ethics.
- The Price of Redemption: The word establishes that salvation has a cost. Believers are "bought with a price" 1 Corinthians 6:20, a concept directly linked to the price of Jesus who was valued by men Matthew 27:9.
- Ascribing Divine Worth: Honour is a key element of worship given to God and Christ. Doxologies repeatedly attribute honour to the one on the throne Revelation 4:9 and the Lamb Revelation 5:12, acknowledging their supreme dignity. God the Father himself gives honour and glory to the Son 2 Peter 1:17.
- A Principle for Christian Life: Believers are called to be "a vessel unto honour" 2 Timothy 2:21. This is expressed practically by rendering honour to those in authority Romans 13:7, counting elders who rule well as worthy of "double honour" 1 Timothy 5:17, and showing honour within the family 1 Peter 3:7.
- The Dignity of the Believer and the Church: G5092 underscores the profound worth and purpose God bestows upon His people. Believers are not merely saved, but are called to be 'vessels unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use' 2 Timothy 2:21, implying an elevated status and divine utility. This dignity extends to the corporate body of Christ, where intentional honour is to be given to all members, ensuring that 'more abundant honour' is bestowed where it might otherwise be lacking 1 Corinthians 12:23-24, reflecting God's own care and design for His church.
The Greek term G5092 timḗ stands as a rich and multifaceted concept, fundamentally encapsulating both monetary 'price' and reverential 'honour'. Its semantic range extends from the tangible cost of a transaction, as seen in the 'price' paid for land or the 'price of blood' Matthew 27:6, to the intangible esteem and inherent dignity bestowed upon individuals or divine beings. Beyond a simple measure of value, timḗ also conveys the active recognition and appropriate treatment of that worth, implying a status, privilege, or respect that is either attributed or inherently possessed.
The theological heart of G5092 beats most strongly in its application to redemption and divine worship. It defines the immeasurable 'price' of salvation, emphasizing that believers are 'bought with a price' 1 Corinthians 6:20, a direct parallel to the valuation of Christ himself Matthew 27:9. This sacrificial cost establishes the supreme worth of God and the Lamb, to whom 'honour and glory' are perpetually ascribed in doxologies Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12. God's bestowal of 'honour and glory' upon His Son 2 Peter 1:17 sets the ultimate standard for all true honour.
This divine standard of worth and honour profoundly shapes Christian ethics and communal life. Believers are called to live as 'vessels unto honour' 2 Timothy 2:21, reflecting a sanctified dignity in their personal conduct, such as possessing one's body in 'sanctification and honour' 1 Thessalonians 4:4. Within the church, timḗ mandates reciprocal respect, urging believers to prefer one another in 'honour' Romans 12:10 and ensuring that all members, particularly those perceived as less prominent, receive 'more abundant honour' 1 Corinthians 12:23. It also guides relationships within the family and society, calling for 'honour' to wives 1 Peter 3:7, masters 1 Timothy 6:1, and elders 1 Timothy 5:17.
Ultimately, G5092 timḗ illustrates how a foundational concept of transactional value is transformed into a profound expression of relational and spiritual dignity. It not only defines the boundless worth of God and Christ but also establishes the inherent value and purpose of His redeemed people, who are called to live lives that reflect this honour and to anticipate an eschatological inheritance of 'glory and honour and immortality' Romans 2:7 at Christ's appearing.
TRV