ΤΙΜΗ
The multifaceted concept of timē (τιμή) encompasses honor, value, and price, reflecting both intrinsic worth and external recognition. Far from a mere transactional term, timē is central to understanding ancient Greek social structures, philosophical ethics, and theological reverence. Its lexarithmic value of 358 subtly hints at the completeness and divine order often associated with the pursuit and bestowal of honor.
REPORT ERRORDefinition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, `τιμή` (timē) primarily denotes "honor, esteem, respect, reverence." This foundational meaning extends across various domains, from the veneration of gods and heroes to the respect shown to elders and rulers. In its classical usage, `τιμή` was a crucial component of a person's social standing and reputation, often earned through valor, wisdom, or public service.
It could also signify the "value" or "worth" of something, whether monetary (a price paid for goods or services) or intrinsic (the inherent value of a person or object). Furthermore, `τιμή` could refer to a "privilege," "office," or "dignity" bestowed upon an individual, marking their elevated status within the community.
In a religious context, `τιμή` frequently appears as "tribute," "offering," or "sacrifice" made to deities, signifying an act of reverence and acknowledgment of their supreme power. The semantic range of `τιμή` thus bridges the material and the spiritual, the social and the personal, making it a cornerstone concept in understanding ancient Greek thought and culture.
Etymology
Cognate words include `τίω` (verb, to honor), `τίμημα` (valuation, assessment, price), `τίμιος` (honored, valuable, precious), `τιμάω` (to honor, to value), `ἀτιμία` (dishonor, disgrace), and `πολύτιμος` (very valuable, precious). These related terms collectively illustrate the broad semantic field of value, honor, and estimation.
Main Meanings
- Honor, Esteem, Respect — The fundamental sense of high regard shown to individuals, deities, or institutions.
- Value, Worth — The intrinsic or perceived importance of a person, object, or action.
- Price, Cost — The monetary value assigned to goods, services, or compensation.
- Tribute, Offering, Sacrifice — An act of reverence or payment, especially to gods or superiors.
- Office, Dignity, Privilege — A position of authority or a special right granted due to status.
- Reputation, Renown — The public perception of a person's character or achievements.
- Compensation, Penalty — A payment made as recompense or punishment.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of `τιμή` has evolved significantly, reflecting shifts in societal values and philosophical understanding from the heroic age to early Christianity.
In Ancient Texts
Key passages illustrate the diverse applications and profound significance of `τιμή` across ancient literature.
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΤΙΜΗ is 358, from the sum of its letter values:
358 decomposes into 300 (hundreds) + 50 (tens) + 8 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΤΙΜΗ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 358 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 7 | 3+5+8 = 16 → 1+6 = 7. The number 7 symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine order, reflecting the ultimate honor due to God and the perfect honor of Christ. |
| Letter Count | 4 | 4 letters. The number 4 represents stability, foundation, and earthly completeness, perhaps signifying the foundational role of honor in human society. |
| Cumulative | 8/50/300 | Units 8 · Tens 50 · Hundreds 300 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | T-I-M-H | Truth, Integrity, Magnanimity, Honor – virtues often associated with true `τιμή`. |
| Grammatical Groups | 2Φ · 2Η · 0Α | 2 vowels (iota, eta) and 2 consonants (tau, mu), indicating a balanced and concise structure. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Mercury ☿ / Aquarius ♒ | 358 mod 7 = 1 · 358 mod 12 = 10 |
Isopsephic Words (358)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon sharing the same lexarithmic value (358) as `τιμή` offer intriguing semantic connections.
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 42 words with lexarithmos 358. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Homer — The Iliad. Translated by Richmond Lattimore. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1951.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1925.
- Plato — Republic. Translated by G. M. A. Grube, revised by C. D. C. Reeve. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1992.
- Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
- Louw, J. P., Nida, E. A. — Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains. 2nd ed. New York: United Bible Societies, 1989.
- Mounce, W. D. — Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.