Brief overview of Βαρτιμαῖος (G924: Bartimaios)

1. Overview

Βαρτιμαῖος (Bartimaios), transliterated as “Bar-ti-MAI-os,” is a Greek proper noun of Aramaic origin. The name is a compound of the Aramaic “Bar,” meaning “son,” and “Timaios,” which is derived from the Greek word “timē,” meaning “honor” or “value.” Thus, Bartimaios can be understood as “son of Timaeus” or “son of honor.” This name is notably mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark, where Bartimaeus is identified as the blind beggar whom Jesus healed (Mark 10:46-52).

2. Lexical Details

In BDAG, Bartimaios is recognized as a proper name referring to a specific individual in the New Testament, Bartimaeus, who plays a significant role in the narrative of Jesus’ healing miracles. The lexicon emphasizes the name’s Aramaic origin, noting the common Semitic prefix “Bar-” and its connection to the Greek word “timē,” reflecting the name’s meaning as “son of honor.”

Thayer’s Lexicon similarly identifies Bartimaios as “son of Timaeus,” providing an explanation of the name’s etymology and its appearance in the New Testament. Thayer also references the story in Mark 10:46-52, highlighting Bartimaeus’s plea for mercy and his subsequent healing by Jesus.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary aligns with BDAG and Thayer in its interpretation of the name, focusing on its significance within the Gospel narrative. Vine’s notes that the story of Bartimaeus is an example of faith and the transformative power of Jesus’ ministry.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) does not offer extensive details on Bartimaios since it is a proper name rather than a common noun or verb. However, the lexicon confirms the Aramaic-Greek hybrid nature of the name, indicative of the Hellenistic influence on Jewish culture during the time.

Biblical references:

• Mark 10:46-52: “And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'”

This passage not only identifies Bartimaeus by name but also emphasizes his faith and determination to be healed by Jesus, making him a significant figure in the narrative of Jesus’ miracles.

3. Classical Usage

As a proper name of Aramaic origin, Bartimaios is specific to the New Testament and does not appear widely in classical Greek literature. The name’s structure, with the “Bar-” prefix, is a common feature in Aramaic names, particularly in Jewish contexts. While Bartimaios itself does not have direct parallels in other ancient literature, the use of “Bar-” to denote lineage or paternal connection is well-documented.

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Examples of similar names include:

• Barabbas: Known from the New Testament, the criminal whom the crowd chose to release instead of Jesus.
• Bartimaeus: Another example of an Aramaic name with the “Bar-” prefix, though Bartimaeus is distinct in being associated with a narrative of healing.
• Bartholomew: One of the twelve apostles, also bearing the “Bar-” prefix, indicating a similar naming convention.

These examples illustrate the cultural and linguistic environment in which Bartimaios was a recognizable and meaningful name.

4. Summary

Βαρτιμαῖος (Bartimaios), meaning “son of Timaeus” or “son of honor,” is a name of Aramaic origin mentioned in the New Testament in the context of a significant healing miracle performed by Jesus. The name highlights Bartimaeus’s heritage and his place within the Gospel narrative, particularly in Mark 10:46-52, where his faith and persistence are key themes. While the name does not appear widely in classical Greek literature, it shares structural similarities with other Semitic names used in the region during that period. Bartimaios stands as a testament to the blending of Aramaic and Greek influences in the cultural and religious milieu of the first century, reflecting the deep connection between personal identity and faith in the Gospel accounts.