### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Βαρθολομαῖος (Bartholomaîos), Strong's number `{{G918}}`, is a proper noun derived from Aramaic, specifically from the elements בַּר (bar), meaning "son of," and תַּלְמַי (Talmai), a personal name. Thus, its core meaning is "son of Tolmai." As a patronymic, it identifies an individual by their paternal lineage rather than describing an inherent quality or concept. Its semantic range is therefore restricted to its function as a specific identifier for one of Jesus's twelve apostles. The name Tolmai itself is of uncertain etymology, possibly related to "furrow" or "mound," but this does not impact the meaning of the patronymic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Βαρθολομαῖος appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically in the four lists of the twelve apostles:
* [[Matthew 10:3]] - "Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;"
* [[Mark 3:18]] - "Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean,"
* [[Luke 6:14]] - "Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,"
* [[Acts 1:13]] - "When they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying: Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James."
In all four instances, Bartholomew is consistently listed among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Notably, in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, he is always mentioned alongside Philip. This consistent pairing has led many scholars to identify Bartholomew with Nathanael, a prominent disciple in John's Gospel who is introduced to Jesus by Philip ([[John 1:43-51]]). Nathanael is not mentioned in the Synoptic apostolic lists, nor is Bartholomew in John's Gospel, suggesting they are the same person, with "Bartholomew" being his patronymic and "Nathanael" his personal name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related concept to Βαρθολομαῖος is **Nathanael**. The strong scholarly consensus identifying Bartholomew with Nathanael rests on the consistent pairing with Philip and the absence of one name where the other appears in the respective Gospel accounts. If this identification is correct, then Nathanael's initial skepticism ("Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" [[John 1:46]]) and subsequent profound confession of Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel ([[John 1:49]]) become part of Bartholomew's narrative.
Other related concepts include:
* **Apostle** (ἀπόστολος, `{{G652}}`): Bartholomew's primary identity is as one of the twelve apostles, signifying his direct commission and authority from Christ.
* **Disciple** (μαθητής, `{{G3101}}`): He was one of the earliest followers of Jesus, embodying the call to discipleship.
* **Witness**: As an apostle, he was a foundational witness to the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
### Theological Significance
Bartholomew's theological significance, though not elaborated through extensive narrative in the Gospels, is profound due to his inclusion among the twelve apostles.
1. **Foundational Witness:** As one of the chosen Twelve, Bartholomew serves as a foundational witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ. His presence affirms the direct, personal selection by Christ of those who would bear authoritative testimony to His ministry, death, and resurrection.
2. **Apostolic Authority:** The apostles are depicted as the foundation of the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone ([[Ephesians 2:20]]). Bartholomew's inclusion signifies his participation in this divinely established authority, crucial for the early Church's teaching and mission.
3. **Representation of God's People:** The number twelve often symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the continuity of God's covenant people, now reconstituted around the Messiah. Bartholomew's place among the Twelve underscores this symbolic representation of the new Israel.
4. **Humility and Faithfulness:** The relative obscurity of Bartholomew in the biblical narrative, compared to figures like Peter or John, highlights that faithfulness and commitment to Christ are valued, regardless of public prominence. If he is Nathanael, his journey from initial doubt to profound conviction ("Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!") offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of encountering Christ.
### Summary
Βαρθολομαῖος (Bartholomaîos), meaning "son of Tolmai," is the patronymic name of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, consistently listed in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. While specific details of his ministry are not extensively recorded, he is widely identified with Nathanael from John's Gospel, a disciple known for his initial skepticism and subsequent profound confession of Jesus as the Son of God. His inclusion among the Twelve underscores his foundational role as a divinely chosen witness to Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Bartholomew represents the essential apostolic authority upon which the Church is built, embodying faithfulness and the transformative power of discipleship, even in relative biblical obscurity. His presence among the apostles serves as a silent yet powerful testament to the broad and diverse call of God to establish His kingdom through chosen vessels.
TRV