Bartholomew
Name Origin & Meaning
An Aramaic patronymic meaning 'son of Talmai,' where 'Talmai' derives from 'telem' (furrow) — 'son of the plowman' or 'son of the one who makes furrows.' The agricultural imagery suits a man whose identity was hidden beneath his father's name. Most scholars identify Bartholomew with Nathanael, the guileless man under the fig tree whom Jesus saw supernaturally.
First Biblical Appearance
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”
Jesus' remarkable commendation of Nathanael/Bartholomew before they had even spoken — a declaration of character based on divine knowledge.
Biblical Significance
Bartholomew is listed among the twelve apostles in all four apostolic lists. He is almost universally identified with Nathanael, whom Philip brought to Jesus and whom Jesus called 'an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.' His confession — 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!' — is among the earliest and most complete in the gospels. Tradition holds he was martyred by being flayed alive in Armenia.
Notable Bearers
- Bartholomew (Nathanael) the Apostle
Personality & Character
Love and human labour — the number of compassionate service and nurturing care
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you be known as one in whom there is no guile — a person whose transparency before God positions you for supernatural encounters. May Jesus see you under your fig tree and declare something greater about you than you have yet dared to believe.