Βαρθολομαῖος (Bartholomaios)
Bartholomaios
Bartholomew
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Bartholomew appears in the lists of the twelve apostles across the Gospels and Acts (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). It is not a personal first name but a patronymic, meaning "son of Tolmai." This Aramaic construction identifies him by his father’s lineage rather than his own given name.
Most scholars identify this figure with Nathanael, who appears in the Gospel of John but never alongside Bartholomew. In the Synoptic Gospels, the two names are paired as a single identity, suggesting that Nathanael was his personal name while Bartholomew served as a family designation. This pairing helps readers connect the accounts of Jesus’ ministry across different biblical traditions.
As a proper noun, the word carries no abstract theological meaning beyond its historical reference. Its presence in the apostolic lists underscores the importance of individual identity within the early Christian community, where names preserved personal and familial ties even as new spiritual relationships were formed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bartholomew appears in the lists of Jesus’ twelve apostles across the Gospels and Acts. It is not a personal first name but a patronymic, meaning “son of Tolmai.” This Aramaic construction identifies him by his father’s lineage rather than his own given name.
Most scholars identify this figure with Nathanael, who appears in the Gospel of John but never alongside Bartholomew. In the Synoptic Gospels, the two names are paired as a single identity, suggesting that Nathanael was his personal name while Bartholomew served as a family designation.
As a proper noun, the word carries no abstract theological meaning beyond its historical reference. Its presence in the apostolic lists underscores the importance of individual identity within the early Christian community, where names preserved personal and familial ties even as new spiritual relationships were formed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bartholomew3×
- Bartholomew,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βαρθολομαῖον2×
- Βαρθολομαῖος,1×
- Βαρθολομαῖος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:3
Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;
This verse places Bartholomew in the official list of apostles sent out by Jesus, linking him directly to the core group of disciples.
-
Mark 3:18
Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot;
Here Bartholomew is listed alongside Thaddaeus and Simon the Zealot, showing his consistent presence in the Synoptic tradition.
-
Luke 6:14
Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew;
Luke includes Bartholomew in the list of those chosen at night, emphasizing his role among the original twelve leaders.
-
Acts 1:13
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
In the upper room after the resurrection, Bartholomew is present with the other apostles, confirming his continued commitment to the group.