Divine Identity: τοὔνομα (Strong’s G5122: tounoma) Reveals Kingdom Characters’ Purpose

Strong’s G5122: A contracted form meaning “by name” or “named.” In biblical context, it introduces significant figures in God’s redemptive narrative, particularly in Matthew’s Gospel where it marks the introduction of Joseph of Arimathea at a crucial moment.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοὔνομα carries special significance in biblical narrative introductions. As a contraction of τό ὄνομα (the name), it appears in Matthew 27:57 to introduce Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple who played a crucial role in Jesus’ burial. The early church recognized the importance of names and their meanings in God’s redemptive plan. This grammatical construction emphasizes the significance of named individuals in sacred history. Today, it reminds us that God knows His people by name and calls them to specific roles in His kingdom purposes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοὔνομα, tounoma, /ˈtu.no.ma/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOO-noh-mah (where ‘oo’ is like in “too”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (contracted form)

Etymology:

• Contracted from τό ὄνομα (to onoma)
• τό – definite article
• ὄνομα – name
• Crasis (contraction) forms τοὔνομα

D – Defining Meanings

• By name
• Named
• Called

For compound words:

• τό (the) + ὄνομα (name) combines to identify someone specifically

Translation Options:

• “by name” – emphasizing identification
• “named” – indicating designation
• “called” – expressing known identity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὄνομα (onoma) /ˈo.no.ma/ – name See G3686
• καλέω (kaleō) /ka.ˈle.ō/ – to call See G2564
• λέγω (legō) /ˈle.gō/ – to say, call See G3004

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a contracted phrase:

• Fixed form
• Indeclinable
• Functions as an adverbial accusative
• Originally from accusative neuter singular

Cross-references: Related to ὀνομάζω meaning “to name”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide detailed understanding of τοὔνομα. BDAG notes its use in formal introductions. Thayer’s examines its formation through crasis. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in narrative contexts. Vine’s highlights its role in biblical introductions. Strong’s connects it to the concept of identification. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing its common usage. LEH notes its appearance in Septuagint biographical introductions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“When evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.” Matthew 27:57

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τοὔνομα in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοὔνομα marks the introduction of significant figures in God’s redemptive narrative. Its use to introduce Joseph of Arimathea highlights how God prepares and positions people for His purposes. The good news of King Jesus often works through specifically named individuals who respond to His call. This word reminds us that God knows us by name and has prepared good works in advance for us to do.

D – Did You Know?

• τοὔνομα is one of few examples of crasis in the New Testament
• Ancient Greek historians used it to introduce key historical figures
• The word appears in early Christian martyrologies introducing saints

Strong’s G5122: A contracted form meaning “by name” or “named.” In biblical context, it introduces significant figures in God’s redemptive narrative, particularly in Matthew’s Gospel where it marks the introduction of Joseph of Arimathea at a crucial moment.

Part of speech: Noun (contracted form)

Tags: name, identity, introduction, joseph-of-arimathea, calling, purpose, narrative, biography, characters, matthew, identification, divine-purpose​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​