ἰσότιμος

equally privileged, equal

Definition

The adjective ἰσότιμος (isotimos) means 'equally privileged,' 'equal in honor,' or 'of equal value.' It denotes a status or standing that is shared identically among parties, particularly in terms of honor, rights, or worth. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it describes the faith granted to believers as being of the same precious quality as that given to the apostles (2 Peter 1:1). The word emphasizes not just similarity, but an identical, high-status privilege bestowed by God.

Biblical Usage

ἰσότιμος is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 1:1. Here, the apostle Peter addresses his audience as those who have received a faith 'equally privileged' (isotimon) with his own, through the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ. The usage is theological and pastoral, affirming that all believers, regardless of their background or prominence, share in the same precious and authoritative faith, directly linking them to apostolic authority.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek roots ἴσος (isos, meaning 'equal,' 'same') and τιμή (timē, meaning 'honor,' 'value,' 'price'). It is a compound adjective literally meaning 'of equal honor' or 'equally valued.' Cognates include ἰσότης (isotēs, 'equality,' G2471) and the verb τιμάω (timaō, 'to honor'). The construction highlights a parity in status or worth.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers and the unity of the church. By stating that the faith of ordinary Christians is ἰσότιμος with apostolic faith, 2 Peter 1:1 teaches that saving faith is a uniform gift from God, not a tiered system. It enriches Bible reading by highlighting that every believer's standing before God is equally precious and founded on the same divine righteousness, combating any notion of spiritual elitism.

In the Greco-Roman world, honor (timē) was a central social value, often tied to rank, birth, or achievement. To call something 'equally honorable' would challenge typical social hierarchies. Peter's use of this term in a Christian context subverts the cultural expectation that honor is limited to a few (like apostles or leaders), instead bestowing the highest honor—a faith linked to God's righteousness—equally upon all in Christ.

ἴσος (isos, G2470) — denotes basic equality or sameness in measure, but without the specific connotation of honor or value inherent in ἰσότιμος. ὁμότιμος (homotimos, G2473) — a near synonym meaning 'held in equal honor,' used in a similar context in 2 Peter 1:1 in some manuscript variants.

Word Details

Scripture References