τιμάω (timaō)
timaō
to honor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb timaō means to honor someone by recognizing their worth and treating them with respect. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from family duties to divine worship. Jesus uses it when quoting the commandment to honor one’s father and mother (Matthew 15:4), linking social respect with spiritual obedience. The word carries a sense of assigning value, as seen in Matthew 27:9 where it describes fixing a price for Christ.
Its root ties to the noun timē, meaning “price” or “honor,” suggesting that true honor involves acknowledging intrinsic worth. This distinction sets it apart from other Greek words for love or respect; timaō implies an active valuation of another’s status. For instance, in John 5:23, Jesus says all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father, emphasizing equal reverence.
Translators often render timaō as “honor,” though this English term can feel formal or distant. The Greek conveys a deeper commitment to valuing someone highly, whether through actions, words, or attitudes. Its usage spans personal relationships (Ephesians 6:2) and cosmic truths (1 Peter 2:17), showing its versatility across human and divine spheres.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word timaō asks us to recognize true worth and act on it. It is more than polite respect; it is a practical valuation of someone’s dignity. In family life, this means caring for parents with tangible kindness, not just good intentions. When Jesus quoted the command to honor father and mother, He linked social duty with spiritual obedience, showing that our treatment of people reflects our heart toward God.
This same call extends to how we view others in society and how we respond to Christ. We are invited to treat every person with basic dignity while giving unique reverence to Jesus as the Son of God. It is a gentle reminder that honor is an active choice, visible in our daily interactions and attitudes toward those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do honor6×
- is honoring2×
- will honor1×
- they set a price on1×
- they honor1×
- priced,1×
- may honor1×
- it honors,1×
- honors,1×
- honored1×
- do honor.1×
- do honor,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τίμα7×
- τιμῶσιν2×
- τιμᾷ,2×
- ἐτίμησαν1×
- ἐτιμήσαντο1×
- τιμῶν1×
- τιμῶ1×
- τιμᾷ1×
- τιμᾶτε.¶1×
- τιμήσει1×
- τιμήσατε,1×
- τετιμημένου,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 15:4
For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’
Jesus uses this word to ground family respect in divine command, showing that honoring parents is a direct act of obedience to God.
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John 5:23
that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him.
This verse establishes the theological depth of the term by linking honor for the Son directly to honor for the Father.
-
Ephesians 6:2
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise:
Paul highlights this command as the first with a specific promise, emphasizing its enduring value in Christian living.
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I Peter 2:17
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Peter places this word alongside loving the brotherhood and fearing God, showing it applies to all people regardless of status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does timaō mean in the New Testament?
How is timaō different from other words for love or respect?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 4 verses
For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to…
Matthew 15:8‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Matthew 19:19‘Honor your father and your mother.’ And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 27:9Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver,…