The meaning of “μαρτυρία”
Understanding martyría reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
record, report, testimony, witness. - evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
μαρτυρία
record, report, testimony, witness. - evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Mark 14:56 | “For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.” Word: μαρτυρία (martyría) | |
| Luke 22:71 | “And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. ” Word: μαρτυρία (martyría) | |
| John 5:34 | “But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.” Word: μαρτυρία (martyría) | |
| Acts 22:18 | “And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.” Word: μαρτυρία (martyría) | |
| 1 Timothy 3:7 | “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Word: μαρτυρία (martyría) |
Theological Word Study: Witness
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Witness, testimony
The Hebrew ed (עֵד) means witness—one who testifies to what they have seen or known. 'At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall the matter be established' (Deuteronomy 19:15).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Witness, martyr
The Greek martus (μάρτυς) means witness—the source of 'martyr,' as many witnesses died for their testimony. Jesus told the disciples 'ye shall be witnesses unto me' (Acts 1:8).