"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Biblical Name · Greek (Timotheos) Origin
Timothy Meaning in the Bible
Timothy
boy
Timothy means "Honoring God; One who fears God", a boy's name of Greek (Timotheos) origin. Timothy appears in the King James Bible, and 1 Timothy 4:12 is the passage most often tied to it. Timothy's name calls us to honor God in all we do. His life shows that youthful faith, nurtured by godly mentors, can accomplish extraordinary things for the Kingdom.
Is Timothy in the Bible?
Yes — Timothy appears in the King James Bible; the passages below give the context.
Pronunciation:/TIM-oh-thee/
OriginGreek (Timotheos)
MeaningHonoring God; One who fears God
What does Timothy mean?
Timothy is a boy name of Greek (Timotheos) origin meaning "Honoring God; One who fears God". Timothy means "honoring God" or "one who fears God" in Greek. He was Paul's most trusted disciple and companion, often called Paul's "son in the faith." Timothy became the leader of the church in Ephesus at a young age.
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What does Timothy mean in the Bible?
Timothy means "Honoring God; One who fears God" and is a name of Greek (Timotheos) origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Timothy means "honoring God" or "one who fears God" in Greek. He was Paul's most trusted disciple and companion, often called Paul's "son in the faith." Timothy became the leader of the church in Ephesus at a young age.
Paul's two letters to Timothy provide some of the most practical pastoral guidance in the New Testament. In them, Paul encourages Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth but to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Timothy was raised in the faith by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, whose "unfeigned faith" Paul praised. His story highlights the profound impact of godly parenting and mentorship across generations.
Where does Timothy appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Timothy is connected to 2 key passages in the King James Bible, beginning with 1 Timothy 4:12. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice."
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What are the variants and nicknames of Timothy?
Timothy has 3 recorded variants, short forms, and translations across languages and biblical traditions.
Variants & related forms
Timoteo
Common nicknames
Tim
Timmy
Which books of the Bible mention Timothy?
Timothy is mentioned across 5 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Timothy?
Timothy's name calls us to honor God in all we do. His life shows that youthful faith, nurtured by godly mentors, can accomplish extraordinary things for the Kingdom.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Timothy:
God Promises to Be Faithful
Bible promises about God's unwavering faithfulness in every situation.
God Promises Contentment Through Him
Bible promises about finding true satisfaction and contentment in God.
God Promises to Answer Prayer
Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
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What names are related to Timothy?
Names that pair well with Timothy
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Timothy
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Timothy name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Timothy appears in the King James Bible; the passages below give the context.
Timothy means "Honoring God; One who fears God." It is a Greek (Timotheos) name. The King James Bible uses it, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Greek (Timotheos). Timothy comes into English from Greek (Timotheos) and carries the sense "Honoring God; One who fears God." It appears in the King James Bible.
Common questions about the name Timothy
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Timothy?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Timothy?
You can read every verse where Timothy appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.