Τιμαῖος

Timaeus

Definition

Τιμαῖος (Timaeus) is a proper noun referring to the father of the blind beggar Bartimaeus, as recorded in Mark 10:46. The name itself is of Greek origin, meaning 'honorable' or 'highly prized.' In the biblical context, it serves solely to identify the parentage of Bartimaeus, who is healed by Jesus outside Jericho. There are no other major senses or differing meanings for this specific name within the New Testament, as it appears only in this single, identifying instance.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Mark 10:46. It functions strictly as a proper name to identify 'Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus.' The usage provides a specific, personal identifier for the blind man in the narrative, adding a layer of individual recognition to the healing miracle performed by Jesus.

Etymology

Τιμαῖος (Timaeus) is derived from the Greek root τίμη (timē), meaning 'honor, value, or price.' It is a common Greek personal name, essentially meaning 'honorable one.' The name Bartimaeus itself is a hybrid, combining the Aramaic 'bar' (son of) with the Greek 'Timaeus,' meaning 'son of Timaeus' or 'son of the honorable one.'

Semantic Range

While the name Τιμαῖος itself is not theologically loaded, its use in Mark 10:46 is significant. By naming Bartimaeus's father, the Gospel writer personalizes the blind beggar, emphasizing that Jesus's healing ministry reaches specific, named individuals in their social and familial context. It underscores that Christ's compassion is directed toward real people with histories and identities, not just anonymous figures in a crowd. Understanding the name's meaning ('honorable') may also provide an ironic contrast to the man's low social status as a beggar, highlighting the transformative honor and dignity bestowed by Jesus through healing.

In the Greco-Roman world, names often carried meaningful connotations. 'Timaeus' was a recognizable Greek name, suggesting the family may have lived in a Hellenistic cultural setting or region. The hybrid name 'Bartimaeus' reflects the mixed Aramaic and Greek linguistic environment of first-century Palestine. Recording the father's name was a common way to establish a person's identity in ancient records, giving the individual a recognized place within a family lineage.

τίμη (timē, G5092) — the root noun meaning 'honor, value, or price,' from which Τιμαῖος is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References