Brief Overview of πολύτιμος (Strong’s G4186: polutimos)

Strong’s G4186: A compound adjective combining polus (much) and timē (price, value, honor), meaning very valuable or precious. Used in the New Testament to describe items of exceptional worth and metaphorically for spiritual treasures, particularly in relation to Christ and faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολύτιμος represents the pinnacle of value and worth in New Testament Greek. This compound word literally means “of much worth/honor,” combining quantity with inherent value. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts emphasizing supreme worth, from the pearl of great price in Matthew’s Gospel to Peter’s description of faith. The early church frequently employed this term to describe both Christ’s incomparable worth and the precious nature of Christian faith. Today, it continues to express the supreme value of knowing Christ and the priceless nature of salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολύτιμος, polutimos, pol-OO-tee-mos
• Detailed pronunciation: paw-LOO-tee-moss (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• πολύς (polus) – prefix meaning “much, many”
• τιμή (timē) – root noun meaning “price, value, honor”
• -ος (-os) – adjectival suffix indicating quality or state

D – Defining Meanings

• Very precious
• Of great price
• Highly valuable or honored

For compound words:
The prefix πολύς intensifies τιμή, creating the sense of exceeding value or worth. The -ος suffix makes it descriptive of something possessing this quality.

Translation Options:

• “Very precious” – captures both material and emotional value
• “Highly valuable” – emphasizes objective worth
• “Of great worth” – encompasses both monetary and intrinsic value

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολυτελής (polutelēs, pol-oo-tel-ACE) – very costly, emphasizes expense – See G4185
• ἔντιμος (entimos, EN-tee-mos) – precious, honored, emphasizes esteem – See G1784
• τίμιος (timios, TIM-ee-os) – valuable, honorable – See G5093

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter forms available
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension adjective

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine Nominative Singular: πολύτιμος
• Feminine Nominative Singular: πολύτιμη
• Neuter Nominative Singular: πολύτιμον

Cross-references:

• Related noun: τιμή (price, honor)
• Related verb: τιμάω (to honor, value)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use for both material and spiritual value. Thayer’s notes its frequent application to precious stones and costly items. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in commercial and honorific contexts. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical application to spiritual treasures. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature expressing supreme worth. LEH notes Septuagint usage describing temple treasures. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in both commercial and honorary contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 13:46: “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price [πολύτιμος], went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

Additional References:
John 12:3
1 Peter 1:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολύτιμος captures the supreme worth of Christ and His kingdom. Like the merchant who found the pearl of great price, we discover that Jesus surpasses all earthly treasures in value. This word proclaims that in Christ we find something worth sacrificing everything to obtain – not because salvation can be bought, but because once we glimpse His worth, everything else pales in comparison.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient jewelry appraisals and temple inventories.
2. Early Christian martyrs referenced this term when explaining why they valued Christ above their lives.
3. The concept influenced medieval Christian art, where precious materials were used to represent spiritual truths.

Strong’s G4186: A compound adjective combining polus (much) and timē (price, value, honor), meaning very valuable or precious. Used in the New Testament to describe items of exceptional worth and metaphorically for spiritual treasures, particularly in relation to Christ and faith.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: value, worth, precious, honor, parables, kingdom of God, compound words, Matthew, Peter, spiritual wealth, material wealth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​