Sacred Honor: τιμάω (Strong’s G5091: timao) Reveals Divine Respect Command

Strong’s G5091: A verb meaning “to honor, value, or esteem,” derived from τιμή (honor). Used primarily in contexts of honoring God and parents, expressing both reverence and practical support, demonstrating that true honor involves both attitude and action.

U- Unveiling the Word

τιμάω embodies profound theological and ethical significance in the New Testament. This verb expresses not just abstract respect but active honor demonstrated through both attitude and action. In its primary usage regarding honoring parents and God, it carries the weight of both reverence and practical support. The early church understood this term as encompassing both spiritual devotion and material care, particularly in family relationships. Today, it continues to challenge believers to express honor not merely through words but through concrete actions, reminding us that true reverence must be demonstrated tangibly.

Save 20% with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τιμάω, timao, /ti-MAH-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: tee-MAH-oh (emphasis on MAH)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From τιμή (time) – “honor” or “price”
• -άω (-ao) – verbal suffix indicating ongoing action
• Root meaning conveys both worth and active demonstration

D – Defining Meanings

• To honor
• To value
• To esteem
• To show respect
• To care for

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derived from τιμή with verbal suffix

Translation Options:

• “Honor” – Traditional translation emphasizing respect
• “Value” – Emphasizing worth assessment
• “Show respect” – Emphasizing active demonstration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σέβομαι (sebomai) /SE-bo-mai/ – to worship, reverence. See G4576
• δοξάζω (doxazo) /dok-SAD-zo/ – to glorify, more intense. See G1392
• αἰδέομαι (aideomai) /ai-DE-o-mai/ – to respect, more personal. See G127

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a Verb:

• Tense: Present/Future/Aorist/Perfect
• Voice: Active/Passive
• Mood: Indicative/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Perfective

Key forms:

• Present Active: τιμάω/τιμῶ (I honor)
• Future: τιμήσω (I will honor)
• Aorist: ἐτίμησα (I honored)
• Perfect: τετίμηκα (I have honored)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τιμάω’s dual aspect of respect and practical support. Thayer’s notes its progression from assigning value to showing honor. LSJ documents its use in both religious and social contexts. Vine’s highlights its connection to both divine worship and human relationships. Strong’s connects it to concepts of price and worth. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in family obligations and religious devotion. The synthesis reveals a term that bridges spiritual reverence and practical care, particularly in family and religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For God commanded, saying, [Honour] [τιμάω] thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” Matthew 15:4

Additional References:
Mark 7:10
John 5:23
John 8:49
1 Timothy 5:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τιμάω appears throughout Scripture emphasizing that true honor involves both attitude and action. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus perfectly honored both His heavenly Father and earthly parents, showing us the way to fulfill this divine command. The word reminds us that honoring God and others isn’t merely about feelings or words but requires tangible demonstration through actions and support.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word originally referred to setting a price or value on something.
2. Early Christians used it to describe both divine worship and care for widows.
3. It appears in ancient legal documents regarding family obligations.

Strong’s G5091: A verb meaning “to honor, value, or esteem,” derived from τιμή (honor). Used primarily in contexts of honoring God and parents, expressing both reverence and practical support, demonstrating that true honor involves both attitude and action.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: honor, respect, value, family, worship, reverence, parents, duty, care, support, commandment, relationships​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​