### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun τιμιότης (timiótēs, `{{G5094}}`) is derived from the adjective τίμιος (tímios, `{{G5092}}`), which signifies "precious," "honored," "valuable," or "costly." Therefore, timiótēs denotes the *quality* or *state* of being tímios. Its core meaning encompasses "expensiveness," "costliness," and by implication, "magnificence" or "splendor." It refers to the high value or grand nature of something, often with an emphasis on its material worth and the impressive display associated with it. While tímios can denote intrinsic worth or honor, timiótēs tends to highlight the outward manifestation of such value, particularly in terms of price or opulent display.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the word τιμιότης (timiótēs, `{{G5094}}`) does not appear in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts. While some older concordances or Strong's entries might associate it with verses like [[Revelation 18:12]] or [[Revelation 18:16]], a careful examination of the Greek text reveals that these passages employ the adjective τίμιος (tímios, `{{G5092}}`) or other nouns like πλοῦτος (ploutos, `{{G4149}}`, "riches"), rather than the noun τιμιότης.
Despite its absence from the biblical text, understanding timiótēs is crucial for grasping the full semantic range of its root, τίμιος (tímios), and related terms. The concept of "costliness" or "magnificence" is, however, highly relevant to New Testament themes, particularly in passages that describe worldly wealth and splendor, such as the lament over Babylon in [[Revelation 18]]. Here, the *idea* of immense material value and grand display is central, even if the specific noun timiótēs is not used. The focus is often on the transient and ultimately condemned nature of such earthly "costliness" when it is pursued apart from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is τίμιος (tímios, `{{G5092}}`), the adjective from which τιμιότης is derived. Tímios is used extensively in the New Testament to describe:
* **Preciousness:** Such as "precious stones" ([[Revelation 18:12]], [[Revelation 21:19]]), "precious blood" of Christ ([[1 Peter 1:19]]), or Christ Himself as a "precious corner stone" ([[1 Peter 2:6]]).
* **Honor/Esteem:** As in "held in honor" ([[Acts 5:34]]) or "honorable" ([[Hebrews 13:4]]).
Other closely related terms include:
* τιμή (timē, `{{G5091}}`): "honor," "price," or "value."
* τιμάω (timaō, `{{G5093}}`): "to honor," "to value," "to fix a price."
The semantic field also intersects with concepts like πλοῦτος (ploutos, `{{G4149}}`, "wealth," "riches"), δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`, "glory," "splendor"), and κόσμος (kosmos, `{{G2889}}`, "world," "adornment"). The contrast between material costliness and spiritual value is a recurring theme.
### Theological Significance
While τιμιότης itself does not appear in the New Testament, the concept it embodies—that of material costliness and magnificence—holds significant theological weight, often by way of contrast. The New Testament frequently juxtaposes the fleeting nature of earthly "costliness" with the enduring value found in Christ and His Kingdom. The "magnificence" of worldly empires (like Babylon in Revelation) is depicted as destined for destruction, highlighting God's judgment on human pride and idolatry of wealth.
In stark contrast, the true "preciousness" in God's eyes is not found in material wealth or outward splendor, but in spiritual realities: the atoning blood of Christ (`{{G5092}}` in [[1 Peter 1:19]]), the living stones of the Church built on Christ ([[1 Peter 2:4-7]]), and the faith of believers. The absence of τιμιότης may subtly underscore the New Testament's consistent redirection of focus from external, material grandeur to internal, spiritual worth. God's economy values humility, sacrifice, and righteousness above any earthly "costliness."
### Summary
τιμιότης (timiótēs, `{{G5094}}`) signifies "expensiveness," "costliness," or "magnificence," derived from the adjective τίμιος (tímios, `{{G5092}}`) meaning "precious" or "honored." Although this specific noun does not appear in the Greek New Testament, its meaning is crucial for understanding the broader biblical discourse on value. The concept of material "costliness" is often presented in contrast to the eternal and spiritual values upheld by the Gospel. The New Testament consistently reorients our understanding of true worth, emphasizing that genuine "preciousness" is found not in perishable earthly treasures or outward displays of wealth, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, His redemptive sacrifice, and the spiritual realities of His Kingdom.
TRV