from τιμή; valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved:--dear, honourable, (more, most) precious, had in reputation.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G5093 (τίμιος, *tímios*) is derived directly from `{{G5092}}` (τιμή, *timē*), which signifies "honor," "value," or "price." Consequently, tímios carries a rich semantic range encompassing both objective and subjective dimensions of worth. Objectively, it denotes something "costly," "valuable," or "expensive" in a material sense, often referring to precious metals or jewels. Subjectively, it describes something or someone "honored," "esteemed," "held in high regard," or "beloved." Figuratively, it extends to that which is "dear" or "highly cherished." Thus, tímios bridges the gap between mere monetary value and profound intrinsic or relational worth, reflecting a spectrum from material preciousness to moral and spiritual esteem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tímios appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications. In its objective sense, referring to material costliness, we find it in descriptions of valuable building materials, such as "precious stones" ([[1 Corinthians 3:12]]) used in construction, or the opulent adornments of "Babylon the Great" ([[Revelation 17:4]], [[Revelation 18:12]], [[Revelation 18:16]]), where it describes gold, precious stones, and pearls, highlighting their material splendor and the world's attachment to them.
More profoundly, tímios is employed to convey subjective value, honor, and esteem. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, is described as "had in reputation" or "held in honor" ([[Acts 5:34]]), indicating his high standing among the people. Paul, in a poignant statement, declares that he does "not count my life of any value nor as precious to myself" ([[Acts 20:24]]), emphasizing his commitment to ministry over self-preservation. Similarly, Epaphroditus is to be "hold[en] in high honor" ([[Philippians 2:29]]) due to his sacrificial service.
Crucially, tímios is used to describe the profound spiritual worth of Christ and the believer's faith. Peter repeatedly refers to Christ as the "precious cornerstone" ([[1 Peter 2:4]], [[1 Peter 2:6]], [[1 Peter 2:7]]), indicating His indispensable and highly valued role in God's redemptive plan. For believers, Christ is "precious" ([[1 Peter 2:7]]) in their experience. Furthermore, faith itself is deemed "more precious than gold that perishes" ([[1 Peter 1:7]]), underscoring its enduring spiritual value. Most significantly, redemption is secured not by perishable things, but "with the precious blood of Christ" ([[1 Peter 1:19]]), highlighting the infinite value of His atoning sacrifice. The "precious fruit of the earth" ([[James 5:7]]) signifies a valuable harvest, while marriage is declared "honorable" ([[Hebrews 13:4]]), emphasizing its esteemed status within God's design. The "precious faith" ([[2 Peter 1:1]]) received by believers is of the same divine quality as that of the apostles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for tímios is its root, `{{G5092}}` (τιμή, *timē*), which denotes "honor," "price," or "value." Other related terms that convey similar concepts of worth or esteem include `{{G1784}}` (ἔντιμος, *entimos*), meaning "honored" or "precious," often used interchangeably with tímios in some contexts. `{{G4188}}` (πολύτιμος, *polytimos*) specifically means "very costly" or "very precious," intensifying the value. The concept of "gold" (`{{G5534}}`, χρυσός, *chrysos*) is frequently associated with tímios to represent the highest material value, against which spiritual realities are often contrasted as being of superior worth.
Conceptually, tímios intersects with ideas of divine valuation, sacrifice, redemption, and the nature of true spiritual wealth. It stands in contrast to concepts of worthlessness or dishonor (ἀτιμία, *atimia*), emphasizing that which is deemed worthy of respect, reverence, and high regard, whether by God or by humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tímios is profound, particularly in its application to Christ and the spiritual realities of the Christian faith. The repeated designation of Christ as the "precious cornerstone" ([[1 Peter 2:4]], [[1 Peter 2:6]]) establishes His unparalleled worth and foundational role in God's eternal plan of salvation. He is not merely valuable, but indispensable, the very foundation upon which God builds His spiritual house.
Even more central to Christian theology is the "precious blood of Christ" ([[1 Peter 1:19]]). This phrase elevates the atoning sacrifice of Jesus to an infinite value, far surpassing any material or earthly price. It signifies the perfect, unblemished, and divinely appointed means of redemption, underscoring the gravity of sin and the immeasurable cost of salvation. This precious blood is the basis for forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life.
Furthermore, tímios highlights the preciousness of faith itself ([[1 Peter 1:7]], [[2 Peter 1:1]]). By stating that faith is "more precious than gold," the New Testament asserts the enduring, eternal value of a genuine relationship with God over transient material wealth. This reorients human values, prioritizing spiritual realities that withstand the test of time and trial. Believers, through their union with Christ, also partake in this preciousness, being "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([[1 Peter 2:9]]).
The use of tímios also extends to ethical and relational spheres, such as the "honorable" nature of marriage ([[Hebrews 13:4]]), reflecting God's design for human relationships. This demonstrates that God's valuation extends beyond the purely spiritual to encompass the moral fabric of human society. Ultimately, tímios reveals God's economy of value, where humility, faith, sacrificial love, and divine truth are deemed truly precious, often contrasting sharply with the world's fleeting estimations of worth.
### Summary
The Greek word G5093 (τίμιος, *tímios*) conveys a rich sense of "value," "honor," and "preciousness." Its semantic range extends from objective material costliness, as seen in descriptions of jewels and gold, to subjective esteem and profound spiritual worth. In the New Testament, tímios critically defines the intrinsic value of Christ as the indispensable "cornerstone" and, most significantly, underscores the infinite worth of His "precious blood" as the means of redemption. It also elevates the enduring nature of faith above perishable earthly treasures and affirms the honorable status of God-ordained institutions like marriage. Through tímios, Scripture reorients our understanding of true value, inviting us to recognize and cherish that which is truly precious in God's divine economy.
TRV