Who was Timæus?

Timæus is mentioned in a brief but significant way in the New Testament as the father of Bartimæus, the blind beggar whom Jesus healed near Jericho. His name appears in only one verse in the Gospel of Mark, where he is introduced as “Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus‘)” (Mark 10:46, NIV). Although Timæus himself is not described in any detail, his name carries a weight of historical and theological significance because it is tied to one of the most compelling healing miracles of Jesus.

Name Meaning and Linguistic Background

The name Timæus (Greek: Τιμαῖος, Timaios) derives from the Greek root τιμάω (timaō), meaning “to honor” or “to value.” Thus, “Timæus” can be understood as “honorable” or “one who is honored.” His son’s name, Bartimæus, is an Aramaic–Greek hybrid meaning “son of Timæus” (Bar = son of).

There is no direct Hebrew equivalent of the name Timæus preserved in Scripture, though the use of “Bar” indicates that Bartimæus and his father were likely Jewish. This blending of Greek and Semitic names reflects the cultural mingling present in Judea during the first century.

Biblical Reference and Cross-References

Timæus is found solely in:

• Mark 10:46 – “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus‘), was sitting by the roadside begging.”

Though Timæus is not mentioned elsewhere, the story of his son Bartimæus is also alluded to thematically in similar miracles:

• Matthew 20:29-34 – Two blind men receive healing near Jericho.

• Luke 18:35-43 – A blind man receives sight near Jericho, though unnamed.

These parallel accounts may or may not describe the same individual(s), but only Mark provides the personal name “Bartimæus” and includes his father’s name, Timæus.

The Role of Timæus in the Biblical Narrative

While the biblical text provides no direct action or words from Timæus, his name is significant. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes his identity to highlight the personal, historical, and communal realities behind Jesus’ miracles. Mentioning Timæus lends credibility and specificity to the event. It suggests that the early Christian community may have known Bartimæus and possibly even his family.

Naming the father may also indicate that Timæus was a man of some known reputation, either in the local community or within the early Church. Some scholars believe Bartimæus could have become a follower of Christ after his healing, and naming his father might have been a way to confirm the authenticity of the testimony.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Even though Timæus does not speak or act in the text, his role as a father reminds believers of the legacy parents leave to their children. Whether through faith, name, or suffering, Timæus is part of the story of a man whose life was radically changed by an encounter with Jesus.

For Christians today, this brief mention shows that no one is insignificant in the eyes of God. The Bible preserves the name of a man whose only biblical distinction is being the father of a beggar—but that beggar met the Messiah and was healed. It reinforces the truth that God honors people and stories that the world overlooks.

Moreover, it teaches us that personal details matter to God. Names, relationships, and identities are known and cherished by Him. This should encourage Christians that even if their lives seem minor or hidden, they are deeply known by the Lord.

How Timæus Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Though Timæus does not appear on stage, the miracle involving his son highlights Christ’s compassion, power, and mission. Bartimæus’s cry for mercy and his persistent faith led to a physical and spiritual restoration. Jesus stopped for him, called him, and healed him.

Timæus, as the father of Bartimæus, is indirectly part of this redemptive act. His name literally embedded in his son’s identity (“son of Timæus”) is carried into the moment when Jesus performs a miraculous healing. In this way, the name Timæus is forever linked with the grace of God extended to the lowly.

This mirrors the gospel truth that God invites entire families, lineages, and communities to witness and share in His redemptive power. As the name “Timæus” means “honored,” we see in Bartimæus’s healing that true honor is found in recognizing and responding to Jesus.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Concern for the Marginalized

Timæus’s son was a blind beggar—socially and economically marginalized. Yet Jesus stopped everything to attend to his need. This continues a pattern throughout Scripture where God lifts up the lowly (Psalm 113:7-8; Luke 1:52).

2. The Power of Faith

Though it was Bartimæus who exercised faith, this faith may have been influenced by the life or teaching of his father. Faith is often nurtured in families and communities, showing the intergenerational work of God.

3. Names and Identity

The naming of Timæus is a reminder of the biblical emphasis on names as carriers of meaning and destiny. God often uses names to convey spiritual truths (Genesis 17:5, Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:21).

4. Healing as a Sign of the Kingdom

The healing of Bartimæus is a foretaste of the full restoration Jesus brings in the kingdom of God—where the blind see, the outcast is included, and the humble are exalted (Isaiah 35:5, Luke 4:18-19).

Reflection Questions

1. What significance does it hold that God preserved the name of Timæus in Scripture, even though he plays no active role in the story?

2. How might we value those who seem hidden or unimportant in the eyes of the world, knowing God honors their stories?

3. What legacy are we passing on to the next generation that might prepare them to recognize and respond to Jesus?

4. In what ways does this short mention of Timæus challenge us to see the deeper importance of spiritual heritage and personal identity?

5. How can we emulate Jesus’ example of stopping for those who are overlooked or suffering in today’s world?

Timæus may only be mentioned in passing, but his name is a permanent reminder that God sees, remembers, and honors even the quiet and hidden parts of our lives—especially when they intersect with the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.