📖 Biblical Definition
Bartholomew was one of the Twelve, named in all four apostle lists (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13) but never given a separate biographical scene in the Synoptics or Acts. The patronymic form of his name (Bar-Tolmai, "son of Tolmai") suggests "Bartholomew" was not his given name — and tradition (going back to the ninth century) identifies him with Nathanael of Cana, whom Philip brought to Christ in John 1:45-51. If so, he is the disciple Christ commended as "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile". Eusebius records a tradition that Bartholomew preached the gospel in India, leaving behind a copy of Matthew’s Gospel in Hebrew. Other traditions place his martyrdom in Armenia, where he was flayed alive — a fate often depicted in Christian art.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
One of the Twelve; commonly identified with Nathanael; named in all apostle lists.
expand to see more
Synoptic apostle lists pair him with Philip (Mt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:14); Acts 1:13 lists him with Matthew. The patronymic suggests his given name was something else — almost certainly Nathanael of John's Gospel.
Tradition variously sends him to India (Eusebius), Armenia (where he is the patron saint), and Mesopotamia.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 10:3 — "Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican."
Mark 3:18 — "And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew."
Luke 6:14 — "Philip and Bartholomew."
Acts 1:13 — "Where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Most Christians do not connect him with Nathanael; the apostle list and the John 1 figure are read as two different men, when they are almost certainly one.
expand to see more
The patronymic Bar-Tolmai is a family name, not a given name. Just as Simon was Bar-Jona (son of Jonah) personally Simon, so this apostle was Bar-Tolmai personally Nathanael.
Recover the identification and John's rich scene of his calling (Jn 1:45-51) belongs to a man whose name we hear in the apostle lists. The Twelve become a little less anonymous.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Aramaic patronymic naming his father Tolmai.
expand to see more
Aramaic Bar-Tolmai — ‘son of Tolmai’ (Tolmai = furrow / pile of stones).
Note: the same patronymic occurs in 2 Samuel 3:3 of the king of Geshur.
Usage
"Bartholomew is the family name; Nathanael is almost certainly the given name."
"All four apostle lists name him; only John gives him a story."
"The Twelve are not anonymous; learn the names."