Timothy
Name Origin & Meaning
From 'time' (honor, value, worth) and 'theos' (God) — 'honoring God' or 'God is honor.' The name captures the foundational posture of all Christian ministry: that God alone is worthy of honor and that a life devoted to Him reflects His worth. Timothy's timid disposition — Paul urged him repeatedly not to be ashamed, to be bold — contrasts beautifully with the confident declaration of his name.
First Biblical Appearance
“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed.”
Timothy's first appearance — a young man of mixed heritage whose faith caught Paul's attention.
Biblical Significance
Timothy was Paul's closest disciple and co-worker, the son of a Jewish mother (Eunice) and Greek father. He joined Paul on his second missionary journey, was circumcised by Paul for the sake of Jewish mission, and led the church at Ephesus. Two letters of Paul to Timothy are preserved, covering pastoral leadership, false teaching, and the nature of Christian ministry. Paul called him 'my true son in the faith' and 'my beloved child.'
Notable Bearers
- Timothy, companion of Paul
Personality & Character
Prophetic illumination — the master number of spiritual awakening and visionary insight
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you, like Timothy, be chosen for ministry not because you have no fears but because your faith is genuine — tested and refined through generations of faithful women who prayed over you. May you fan into flame the gift God placed in you.