Bartholomew
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Bartholomew in the Bible?
Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve Apostles in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where he appears alongside Philip. Early Christian tradition, supported by scholars such as Eusebius and Jerome, identifies him with Nathanael of Cana mentioned in the Gospel of John, suggesting that Bartholomew is a patronymic or clan name rather than a personal given name.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the identification of Bartholomew with Nathanael helps readers reconcile the different apostolic lists in the Gospels and understand the historical context of Jesus' early followers in Galilee.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Bartholomew in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bartholomew clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.