Τιμόθεος (Timotheos)
Timotheos
Timothy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Timotheos means "honoring God." It combines timē ("honor" or "value") and theos ("God"). In the New Testament, this is not just a label but a description of a man who became one of Paul’s closest companions. The sources identify him as a resident of Lystra, raised by a Jewish mother and a Greek father, which likely shaped his unique position in the early church.
Timothy appears frequently in Acts and the pastoral epistles as a trusted fellow worker. Paul refers to him as a son in the faith, sending him on important missions to strengthen new believers (1 Thessalonians 3:2). His name reflects a life dedicated to valuing God above all else, a quality that made him reliable in difficult circumstances.
While many names in Scripture describe God’s character or actions, Timotheos stands out as a personal vow of devotion. The sources note his presence in key moments of church history, from Paul’s journey to Macedonia to the writing of letters addressing church leadership. His legacy is one of faithful service and deep respect for divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Timotheos means "honoring God," combining words for honor and deity. This was not merely a label but a description of a man who became one of Paul’s closest companions. Raised by a Jewish mother and a Greek father, Timothy occupied a unique space in the early church, bridging cultural divides through his faithful service.
Paul referred to him as a son in the faith, sending him on important missions to strengthen new believers. His reliability in difficult circumstances made him an ideal messenger for the gospel. When Paul sent him to Corinth, he urged the believers to receive Timothy without fear, recognizing that he did the work of the Lord just as Paul did.
Timothy’s legacy reminds us that honoring God involves practical loyalty and courage. It is found in showing up for others, even when it feels unsafe or uncertain. His life invites us to value God above all else, allowing that devotion to shape how we serve those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Timothy15×
- Timothy,7×
- To Timothy2×
- Timothy.2×
- Timothy;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Τιμόθεος8×
- Τιμόθεον6×
- Τιμόθεος,3×
- Τιμόθεε,2×
- Τιμοθέῳ2×
- Τιμοθέου.¶2×
- Τιμόθεος·1×
- Τιμόθεον,1×
- Τιμοθέου,1×
- Τιμοθέου1×
Key Verses
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Acts 16:1
He came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed, but his father was a Greek.
This verse introduces Timothy’s mixed heritage, highlighting his unique position between Jewish and Greek cultures which likely equipped him for cross-cultural ministry.
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I Corinthians 4:17
Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
Paul sends Timothy to remind the Corinthians of his ways in Christ, showing how Timothy served as a living model of apostolic teaching.
-
I Corinthians 16:10
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Paul instructs the church to receive Timothy without fear because he actively does the work of the Lord, validating his authority and mission.
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I Thessalonians 3:2
and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith,
Timothy is sent specifically to establish and comfort the believers in their faith, demonstrating his role in pastoral care and spiritual strengthening.
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II Timothy 1:2
to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul addresses Timothy as his beloved child, reflecting the deep personal bond and mentorship that characterized their shared ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Timotheos mean?
Who was Timothy in the New Testament?
How is Timothy different from other apostles?
Where does the name Timotheos appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 12 books)
Acts 6 verses
He came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed,…
Acts 17:14Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.
Acts 17:15But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should…
Acts 18:5When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus…
Acts 19:22Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Acts 20:4These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe,…