ἔντιμος (entimos)
entimos
valued/honored
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word entimos describes something or someone held in high regard, carrying the sense of being prized, precious, or honored. It combines a preposition indicating presence or position with a root meaning value or price, effectively painting a picture of something placed within the sphere of honor. In the New Testament, this term appears only five times, yet its usage spans both people and objects, reflecting a consistent theme of intrinsic worth recognized by others.
When applied to persons, it highlights social or relational esteem. Jesus uses it in a parable about wedding invitations to describe a guest who is considered important (Luke 7:2), and Paul instructs believers to receive Epaphroditus with such honor because he risked his life for Christ (Philippians 2:29). The word also appears in the comparative form, suggesting a higher degree of this valued status. In these contexts, it reflects a respect that is actively acknowledged by the community.
For objects, the term takes on a metaphorical weight, particularly in the First Epistle of Peter. Believers are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house, and Christ himself is called a "precious" (entimos) cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4, 6). This usage draws from the Old Testament tradition where such language denotes something set apart and invaluable. The adjective thus bridges human social respect with divine valuation, marking what is truly significant in God’s eyes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word entimos carries the quiet weight of being truly valued. It is not about loud status or public acclaim, but a deep recognition of worth that comes from knowing someone well. When Jesus speaks of a guest who is more honorable, He reminds us that human respect often follows influence and power. Yet this kind of honor can feel fleeting, shifting with the crowd’s opinion.
There is a deeper layer to this word in the letters of Peter. Here, Christ is called a precious cornerstone, chosen by God though rejected by men. This shifts our focus from what people think to what God sees. We are invited to build our lives on that which has eternal value, rather than chasing temporary approval.
This truth offers great comfort. Your worth is not determined by your social standing or how many people invite you to their tables. You are precious in the sight of God, who chose you before the foundation of the world. Rest in that secure identity, knowing you are held in high regard by your Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- valued highly.1×
- precious,1×
- in honor1×
- [one] more honorable1×
- [and] precious,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔντιμον,2×
- ἔντιμος.1×
- ἐντίμους1×
- ἐντιμότερός1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 14:8
“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him,
This verse shows how human honor often depends on social hierarchy and the fear of being surpassed by someone more prominent.
-
Philippians 2:29
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor,
Paul uses this term to command believers to actively recognize the sacrificial value of Epaphroditus, linking honor to service.
-
I Peter 2:4
Come to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious.
Here the word describes Christ as precious to God despite being rejected by people, highlighting divine valuation over human opinion.