3141. marturia
Lexical Summary
marturia: testimony, reputation, witness

Original Word: μαρτυρία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: marturia
Pronunciation: mar-too-REE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (mar-too-ree'-ah)
KJV: record, report, testimony, witness
NASB: testimony, reputation, witness
Word Origin: [from G3144 (μάρτυς - witnesses)]

1. evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
record, testimony, witness.

From martus; evidence given (judicially or genitive case) -- record, report, testimony, witness.

see GREEK martus

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from martureó
Definition
testimony
NASB Translation
reputation (1), testimony (30), witness (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3141: μαρτυρία

μαρτυρία, μαρτυρίας, (μαρτυρέω, which see) (from Homer down);

1. a testifying: the office committed to the prophets of testifying concerning future events, Revelation 11:7.

2. what one testifies, testimony: universally, John 5:34; in a legal sense, of testimony before a judge: Luke 22:71; Mark 14:56; with the genitive of the subjunctive, Mark 14:59; John 8:17; 1 John 5:9; κατά τίνος, against one, Mark 14:55; in an historical sense, of the testimony of an historian: John 19:35; John 21:24; in an ethical sense, of testimony concerning one's character: 3 John 1:12; 1 Timothy 3:7; Titus 1:13; in a predominantly dogmatic sense respecting matters relating to the truth of Christianity: of the testimony establishing the Messiahship and the divinity of Jesus (see μαρτυρέω, a.), given by — John the Baptist: John 1:7; John 5:32; μαρτυρία τοῦ Ἰωάννου, John 1:19; Jesus himself, with a genitive of the subjunctive, John 5:31; John 8:13f; God, in the prophecies of Scripture concerning Jesus tile Messiah, in the endowments conferred upon him, in the works done by him, John 5:36; through the Holy Spirit, in the Christian's blessed consciousness of eternal life and of reconciliation with God, obtained by baptism ((cf. references under the word βάπτισμα, 3)) and the expiatory death of Christ, with a subject. genitive τοῦ Θεοῦ, 1 John 5:9-11, cf. 1 John 5:6-8; the apostles, σου τήν μαρτυρίαν περί ἐμοῦ, Acts 22:18 (Winer's Grammar, 137 (130)); the other followers of Christ: Revelation 6:9; with a genitive of the subjunctive αὐτῶν, Revelation 12:11; with a genitive of the object Ἰησοῦ, Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 20:4 (ἔχειν this μαρτυρία is to hold the testimony, to persevere steadfastly in bearing it, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10 (see ἔχω, I. 1 d.); others, however, explain it to have the duty of testifying laid upon oneself); elsewhere the testimony of Christ is that which he gives concerning divine things, of which he alone has thorough knowledge, John 3:11, 32f; μαρτυρία Ἰησοῦ, that testimony which he gave concerning future events relating to the consummation of the kingdom of God, Revelation 1:2 (cf. Revelation 22:16, 20); διά τήν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, to receive this testimony, Revelation 1:9.

Topical Lexicon
Central Theme

The word translated “testimony” or “witness” threads through the New Testament as a unifying concept that binds revelation, redemption, and mission. Whether on the lips of the Lord Jesus, in apostolic preaching, or in visions of the last days, this noun signals verified, authoritative declaration of truth. It is never mere opinion; it is legally sufficient affirmation grounded in God’s character and purposes.

Witness to the Person of Christ

The Fourth Gospel supplies the densest cluster of occurrences, presenting layered testimony that converges on Jesus as the Christ. John the Baptist “came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe” (John 1:7). Jesus appeals to testimonial corroboration beyond Himself: “There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid” (John 5:32). The Father’s works (John 5:36), Scripture, and prophetic forerunners combine to satisfy the covenantal requirement of multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; John 8:17).

At the Gospel’s close, the beloved disciple adds his seal: “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. And we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24). Here the noun underlines historical reliability and provides the basis for covenant faith.

Divine Endorsement and Trinitarian Harmony

1 John gathers the heaven-sent strands into a single cord: “If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony that God has given about His Son” (1 John 5:9). The Spirit, water, and blood testify in concert (1 John 5:8, implicit); the Spirit’s internal witness secures the believer (1 John 5:10-11). The triune God Himself is portrayed as courtroom witness, a profound assurance that saving truth rests on divine self-attestation.

Apostolic Proclamation

The early church’s preaching constituted sanctioned testimony. Paul is warned in Jerusalem, “Hurry and leave this city quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me” (Acts 22:18). The pastoral letters assume that church leaders must enjoy “a good testimony from outsiders” (1 Timothy 3:7), demonstrating how public credibility safeguards the gospel’s advance (compare Titus 1:13).

Judicial and Ecclesial Contexts

The term retains its forensic flavor in narratives of Jesus’ trial. Mark records that “many testified falsely against Him, but their testimonies did not agree” (Mark 14:56). Luke’s summary, “We have heard it ourselves from His own mouth” (Luke 22:71), shows the Sanhedrin’s misuse of testimony, contrasting human injustice with the Father’s true verdict revealed at the resurrection.

In the local assembly, balanced testimony remains essential for discipline, doctrine, and leadership confirmation. Paul’s injunctions (1 Timothy 5:19; though using a cognate verb) rest on the same principle the noun expresses: no charge stands without corroborated witness.

Eschatological Testimony

Revelation lifts the concept to cosmic scale. John writes as a partner “in the tribulation and kingdom and patient endurance that are in Jesus, on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). Saints overcome the dragon “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). At the consummation the faithful martyrs reign with Christ, “those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God” (Revelation 20:4). Their steadfast witness, even unto death, authenticates the gospel before a hostile world and secures eternal vindication.

Personal Character References

Not all usages are public proclamation. In 3 John 12 the church’s commendation of Demetrius—“Everyone has testified favorably about him, and so has the truth itself”—illustrates testimony as character endorsement. Such references foster trust and unity within the body of Christ.

Mission and Suffering

Testimony is inseparable from missionary identity. Jesus foretells global proclamation: “And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. But you will be handed over… to stand before governors and kings as a testimony to them” (Mark 13:10–11, cf. cognate verb). While Strong’s 3141 is not used in that verse, its thematic resonance is unmistakable: gospel advance invariably elicits opposition, yet every courtroom becomes a pulpit.

The Spirit’s Testimony and the Written Word

The Spirit not only bears inward witness but also authored the Scriptures that preserve apostolic testimony. Revelation 19:10 aligns both realms: “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Prophetic Scripture, Spirit inspiration, and the content focused on Christ form one harmonious witness. Hence the New Testament corpus itself embodies 3141—a permanent, inspired testimony.

Practical Implications for Today’s Ministry

1. Preaching centers on declared facts—Christ’s person, work, and resurrection—rather than private speculation.
2. Church discipline, leadership selection, and doctrinal preservation require corroborated testimony, safeguarding truth and love.
3. Believers anticipate opposition; yet faithful testimony, whether verbal or lived, participates in God’s redemptive plan and carries eternal reward (Revelation 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:12).
4. Assurance rests ultimately on God’s own testimony concerning His Son, providing a secure foundation for faith and practice.

Summary

Strong’s 3141 portrays a rich tapestry of witness—divine, prophetic, apostolic, communal, and personal. From the Jordan River to the throne room of heaven, testimony validates revelation, directs mission, sustains the church, and guarantees final vindication. The people of God therefore stand both as recipients and bearers of this sacred testimony, commissioned to declare “Jesus Christ is Lord” until faith becomes sight.

Forms and Transliterations
μαρτυρια μαρτυρία μαρτύρια μαρτυριαι μαρτυρίαι μαρτυριαν μαρτυρίαν μαρτυριας μαρτυρίας marturia marturiai marturian marturias martyria martyría martyriai martyríai martyrian martyrían martyrias martyrías
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Mark 14:55 N-AFS
GRK: τοῦ Ἰησοῦ μαρτυρίαν εἰς τὸ
NAS: kept trying to obtain testimony against
KJV: sought for witness against
INT: Jesus testimony to

Mark 14:56 N-NFP
GRK: ἴσαι αἱ μαρτυρίαι οὐκ ἦσαν
NAS: against Him, but their testimony was not consistent.
KJV: him, but their witness agreed not
INT: consistent their testimonies not were

Mark 14:59 N-NFS
GRK: ἦν ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτῶν
NAS: in this respect was their testimony consistent.
KJV: did their witness agree together.
INT: was the testimony of them

Luke 22:71 N-GFS
GRK: ἔτι ἔχομεν μαρτυρίας χρείαν αὐτοὶ
NAS: do we have of testimony? For we have heard
KJV: any further witness? for
INT: any more have we of witness need ourselves

John 1:7 N-AFS
GRK: ἦλθεν εἰς μαρτυρίαν ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ
NAS: He came as a witness, to testify about
KJV: came for a witness, to bear witness
INT: came for a witness that he might testify

John 1:19 N-NFS
GRK: ἐστὶν ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ Ἰωάννου
NAS: This is the testimony of John, when
KJV: this is the record of John, when
INT: is the testimony of John

John 3:11 N-AFS
GRK: καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἡμῶν οὐ
KJV: not our witness.
INT: and the witness of us not

John 3:32 N-AFS
GRK: καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτοῦ οὐδεὶς
KJV: receiveth his testimony.
INT: but the testimony of him no one

John 3:33 N-AFS
GRK: αὐτοῦ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἐσφράγισεν ὅτι
NAS: He who has received His testimony has set his seal
KJV: his testimony hath set to his seal
INT: his testimony has set his seal to that

John 5:31 N-NFS
GRK: ἐμαυτοῦ ἡ μαρτυρία μου οὐκ
NAS: Myself, My testimony is not true.
KJV: myself, my witness is not
INT: myself the testimony of me not

John 5:32 N-NFS
GRK: ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία ἣν μαρτυρεῖ
NAS: of Me, and I know that the testimony which
KJV: that the witness which
INT: is the witness which he witnesses

John 5:34 N-AFS
GRK: ἀνθρώπου τὴν μαρτυρίαν λαμβάνω ἀλλὰ
NAS: But the testimony which I receive
KJV: receive not testimony from man:
INT: man the witness receive but

John 5:36 N-AFS
GRK: ἔχω τὴν μαρτυρίαν μείζω τοῦ
NAS: But the testimony which I have
KJV: greater witness than [that] of John:
INT: have the witness greater than that

John 8:13 N-NFS
GRK: μαρτυρεῖς ἡ μαρτυρία σου οὐκ
NAS: Yourself; Your testimony is not true.
KJV: thyself; thy record is not
INT: bear witness the testimony of you not

John 8:14 N-NFS
GRK: ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία μου ὅτι
KJV: myself, [yet] my record is true:
INT: is the testimony of me because

John 8:17 N-NFS
GRK: ἀνθρώπων ἡ μαρτυρία ἀληθής ἐστιν
NAS: it has been written that the testimony of two
KJV: law, that the testimony of two men
INT: men the witness true is

John 19:35 N-NFS
GRK: ἐστὶν ἡ μαρτυρία καὶ ἐκεῖνος
KJV: and his record is true:
INT: is the testimony and he

John 21:24 N-NFS
GRK: αὐτοῦ ἡ μαρτυρία ἐστίν
NAS: and we know that his testimony is TRUE.
KJV: that his testimony is true.
INT: of him the testimony is

Acts 22:18 N-AFS
GRK: παραδέξονταί σου μαρτυρίαν περὶ ἐμοῦ
NAS: they will not accept your testimony about
KJV: receive thy testimony concerning me.
INT: they will receive your testimony concerning me

1 Timothy 3:7 N-AFS
GRK: δὲ καὶ μαρτυρίαν καλὴν ἔχειν
NAS: a good reputation with those
KJV: a good report of
INT: moreover also a testimony good to have

Titus 1:13 N-NFS
GRK: μαρτυρία αὕτη ἐστὶν
NAS: This testimony is TRUE. For this
KJV: This witness is true.
INT: the testimony this is

1 John 5:9 N-AFS
GRK: εἰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων
NAS: we receive the testimony of men,
KJV: we receive the witness of men,
INT: If the testimony of men

1 John 5:9 N-NFS
GRK: λαμβάνομεν ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: of men, the testimony of God
KJV: of men, the witness of God
INT: we receive the testimony of God

1 John 5:9 N-NFS
GRK: ἐστὶν ἡ μαρτυρία τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: is greater; for the testimony of God
KJV: this is the witness of God which
INT: is the testimony of God

1 John 5:10 N-AFS
GRK: ἔχει τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ
NAS: has the testimony in himself;
KJV: of God hath the witness in himself:
INT: has the testimony in himself

Strong's Greek 3141
37 Occurrences


μαρτυρία — 15 Occ.
μαρτυρίαι — 1 Occ.
μαρτυρίαν — 19 Occ.
μαρτυρίας — 2 Occ.

3140
Top of Page
Top of Page