τοὔνομα

by name

Definition

τοὔνομα is a contracted form meaning 'by name' or 'named'. It is used to specify an individual's identity, often in contexts where naming someone is significant for identification or personal connection. In its single New Testament occurrence, it introduces Joseph of Arimathea by his personal name, distinguishing him from others. This construction emphasizes the particularity of the person being referenced, moving from a general description to a specific, named individual.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 27:57. It appears in the narrative describing Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man who was a disciple of Jesus, coming to ask for Jesus' body. The phrase 'Ἰωσὴφ τὸ ὄνομα' (with τοὔνομα as the contracted form of τὸ ὄνομα) is used to specify 'Joseph by name', highlighting his personal identity at a crucial moment in the Passion story. Its usage is purely for precise identification within a narrative context.

Etymology

τοὔνομα is a contraction of the Greek definite article τοῦ (tou, 'the') and the noun ὄνομα (onoma, G3686, 'name'). It literally means 'the name'. This contracted form was common in Koine Greek for the phrase 'by name' or 'named', functioning as a particle or adverbial phrase to introduce a specific name following a general description of a person.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a simple identifier, its use in Matthew 27:57 carries subtle theological weight. By specifying Joseph 'by name', the text personalizes the act of burying Jesus. It highlights that Jesus' burial was not anonymous or performed by a faceless authority, but by a specific, named disciple—fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 53:9 concerning burial with the rich) and demonstrating that even in death, Jesus was honored by those known to him. It underscores the historical particularity and personal nature of the gospel events.

In ancient Mediterranean culture, naming someone 'by name' was a way of establishing personal identity, honor, and social recognition. It moved an individual from being an anonymous member of a group (e.g., 'a rich man', 'a disciple') to a specific person with a reputation and standing in the community. For Joseph to be named in the burial account grants him honor and responsibility for this pious act, which was culturally significant.

ὄνομα (onoma, G3686) — The root noun meaning 'name', used more broadly for reputation, authority, or identity, whereas τοὔνομα is the specific contracted adverbial form meaning 'by name'.

Word Details

Scripture References