The meaning of “ἀμνός”
Understanding amnós reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
apparently a primary word lamb. - a lamb
ἀμνός
apparently a primary word lamb. - a lamb
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| John 1:29 | “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Word: ἀμνός (amnós) | |
| John 1:36 | “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” Word: ἀμνός (amnós) | |
| Acts 8:32 | “The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:” Word: ἀμνός (amnós) | |
| 1 Peter 1:19 | “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” Word: ἀμνός (amnós) |
Theological Word Study: Lamb
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Lamb, young sheep
The Hebrew seh (שֶׂה) denotes a lamb—central to Israel's sacrificial system. The Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from judgment (Exodus 12), and Isaiah prophesied the Servant would be 'brought as a lamb to the slaughter' (Isaiah 53:7).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Lamb
The Greek amnos (ἀμνός) means lamb. John declared Jesus 'the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29). In Revelation, Christ is the slain Lamb (arnion) who alone is worthy to open the scroll.