Lexical Summary marturia: testimony, reputation, witness Original Word: μαρτυρία 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 Originfrom martureó Definition testimony NASB Translation reputation (1), testimony (30), witness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3141: μαρτυρίαμαρτυρία, μαρτυρίας, ἡ (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; ἡ 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; ἡ 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. 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. 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. Englishman's Concordance Mark 14:55 N-AFSGRK: 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 Mark 14:59 N-NFS Luke 22:71 N-GFS John 1:7 N-AFS John 1:19 N-NFS John 3:11 N-AFS John 3:32 N-AFS John 3:33 N-AFS John 5:31 N-NFS John 5:32 N-NFS John 5:34 N-AFS John 5:36 N-AFS John 8:13 N-NFS John 8:14 N-NFS John 8:17 N-NFS John 19:35 N-NFS John 21:24 N-NFS Acts 22:18 N-AFS 1 Timothy 3:7 N-AFS Titus 1:13 N-NFS 1 John 5:9 N-AFS 1 John 5:9 N-NFS 1 John 5:9 N-NFS 1 John 5:10 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3141 |
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