ΤΙΜΗ
Timē (τιμή), a foundational concept in the ancient Greek world, expresses the value, esteem, and respect accorded to persons, objects, or ideas. From the Homeric age, where honor was the supreme good for the hero, through classical philosophy and Christian literature, the word retains its central meaning as a measure of worth and recognition. Its lexarithmos (358) suggests a complex balance between material and moral value.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, timē (τιμή, ἡ) primarily signifies “value, estimation, respect, honor.” This concept is multifaceted, covering a wide range of meanings, from the material value of an object (e.g., selling price) to the moral and social worth of a person (e.g., the hero's honor).
In the Homeric age, timē was the highest good for a man, inextricably linked to martial prowess and recognition from his peers. The loss of timē (atimia) was worse than death. In classical Athens, timē continued to be a central element of political and social life, with citizens striving for honor and recognition within the polis.
Philosophically, timē was examined by Plato and Aristotle as one of the external goods, important but not the highest good, which is virtue or eudaimonia. However, “philōtimia” (the love of honor) was recognized as a driving force for achieving high goals. Within the “epistemika” category, timē can also refer to the “estimation” or “assessment” of a quantity or quality, i.e., the assignment of a specific value to a magnitude or characteristic.
Etymology
From the root tim- a rich family of words is derived, covering all aspects of value and respect. The verb timaō expresses the act of rendering honor, while the adjective timios describes that which is worthy of honor or has great value. Conversely, atimia and atimazō denote the lack or removal of honor, underscoring the concept's importance in the social and moral sphere.
Main Meanings
- Value, Esteem, Respect — The primary and broadest meaning, referring to the regard and reverence accorded to someone or something. E.g., «τιμὴ θεῶν» (honor of the gods).
- Price, Cost — The monetary value of a good or service. E.g., «ἡ τιμὴ τοῦ σίτου» (the price of wheat).
- Privilege, Prerogative — A special recognition or position accompanied by specific rights. E.g., «τιμὴ βασιλέως» (prerogative of the king).
- Glory, Reputation, Esteem — Public recognition and good name acquired by someone. E.g., «μεγάλη τιμὴ ἔχει» (he has great fame).
- Reward, Gift of Honor — A recompense or gift given as a token of respect or recognition. E.g., «δῶρα τιμῆς» (gifts of honor).
- Estimation, Assessment (Epistemological) — The assignment of a specific value or quantity to a magnitude, characteristic, or variable, especially in philosophical or scientific contexts. E.g., «ἡ τιμὴ τῆς ἀρετῆς» (the value of virtue).
- Sacrifice, Offering — An act of worship or offering in honor of gods or the dead. E.g., «τιμὰς θύειν» (to offer sacrifices).
Word Family
tim- (root of the verb tiō, meaning 'to assign value, to honor')
The root tim- is an Ancient Greek root that expresses the central idea of assigning value, respect, and esteem. From this root, a family of words developed, covering both the moral and social concept of honor as well as material or quantitative value. This root is fundamental to understanding the social structures and value systems of the ancient Greek world, as well as for expressing recognition and regard.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of timē permeates all of ancient Greek literature, evolving yet always retaining its central significance.
In Ancient Texts
Three representative passages illustrating the complex meaning of timē:
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 Heptad, number of perfection, completion, and spiritual wisdom, signifying comprehensive value and supreme honor. |
| Letter Count | 4 | 4 letters — The Tetrad, symbol of stability, foundation, and order, reflecting the established value and recognized place of honor in 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 | Timios Ischys Megistē Hēbē — Honor as a source of strength and flourishing. |
| Grammatical Groups | 2V · 0A · 2C | 2 vowels (I, H) and 2 consonants (T, M), indicating a balanced composition of vocalic and consonantal energy. |
| 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 with the same lexarithmos (358) but different roots, highlighting coincidences in numerical value:
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, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
- Homer — Iliad, edited by D. B. Monro and T. W. Allen. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1920.
- Plato — Republic and Laws, edited by John Burnet. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics, edited by I. Bywater. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1894.
- Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
- Thucydides — Historiae, edited by H. Stuart Jones. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.
- Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. — Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964-1976.