Lexical Summary marturion: testimony, witness Original Word: μαρτύριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to be testified, testimony, witness. Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the Decalogue (in the sacred Tabernacle) -- to be testified, testimony, witness. see GREEK martus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom martus Definition a testimony, a witness NASB Translation testimony (19), witness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3142: μαρτύριονμαρτύριον, μαρτυρίου, τό (μάρτυρ (cf. μάρτυς)), (from Pindar, Herodotus down), the Sept. for עֵד, עֵדָה, more often for עֵדוּת (an ordinance, precept); most frequently for מועֵד (an assembly), as though that came from עוּד to testify, whereas it is from יָעַד to appoint; testimony; a. with a genitive of the subjunctive: τῆς συνειδήσεως, 2 Corinthians 1:12; with the genitive of object: ἀποδιδόναι τό ... τῆς ἀναστάσεως Ἰησοῦ, Acts 4:33. b. τοῦ Χριστοῦ, concerning Christ the Saviour (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 1 a.): the proclamation of salvation by the apostles is so called (for reasons given under μαρτυρέω, at the beginning), 1 Corinthians 1:6; also τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν, 2 Timothy 1:8; τοῦ Θεοῦ, concerning God (Winer's Grammar, as above), i. e. concerning what God has done through Christ for the salvation of men, 1 Corinthians 2:1 (here WH text μυστήριον); with the subject. genitive ἡμῶν, given by us, 2 Thessalonians 1:10. εἰς μαρτύριον τῶν λαληθησομένων, to give testimony concerning those things which were to be spoken (in the Messiah's time) i. e. concerning the Christian revelation, Hebrews 3:5; cf. Delitzsch at the passage (others refer it to the Mosaic law (Numbers 12:7, especially 8); cf. Riehm, Lehrbegriff d. Heb. 1:312). c. εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς for a testimony unto them, that they may have testimony, i. e. evidence, in proof of this or that: e. g. that a leper has been cured, Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14; that persons may get knowledge of something the knowledge of which will be for their benefit, Matthew 10:18; Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:9; that they may have evidence of their impurity, Mark 6:11; in the same case we find εἰς μαρτύριον ἐπ' αὐτούς, for a testimony against them (cf. ἐπί, C. I. 2 g. γ. ββ.), Luke 9:5; ἀποβήσεται ὑμῖν εἰς μαρτύριον, it will turn out to you as an opportunity of bearing testimony concerning me and my cause, Luke 21:13; εἰς μαρτύριον ὑμῖν ἔσται, it will serve as a proof of your wickedness, James 5:3; by apposition to the whole preceding clause (Winer's Grammar, § 59, 9 a.), τό μαρτύριον καιροῖς ἰδίοις, that which (to wit, that Christ gave himself as a ransom) would be (the substance of) the testimony equivalent to was to be testified (by the apostles and the preachers of the gospel) in the times fitted for it, 1 Timothy 2:6 (where Lachmann omits τί μαρτύριον); cf. the full exposition of this passage in Fritzsche, Ep. ad Romans iii., p. 12ff; ἡ σκηνή τοῦ μαρτυρίου, Acts 7:44; Revelation 15:5; in the Sept. very often for אֹהֶל־מועֵד (see above), and occasionally for הָעֵדוּת אֹהֶל, as Exodus 38:26; Leviticus 24:3, etc. The Greek noun translated “testimony” appears nineteen times in the New Testament. It speaks of evidence presented, witness borne, or a memorial that secures a matter in God’s sight and before humanity. Its occurrences span the Gospels, Acts, the Pauline and General Epistles, and Revelation, forming a thematic thread that binds Old Covenant symbols to New Covenant proclamation. Old Covenant Background—The Sacred Trust Acts 7:44 and Revelation 15:5 recall “the tabernacle of the testimony,” pointing to the wilderness sanctuary that housed the tablets of the Law. Israel’s worship thus centered on a perpetual reminder of divine revelation. Every later use of “testimony” stands in continuity with this concept: God speaks, acts, and records; His people receive, guard, and relay what He has done. Testimony in the Ministry of Jesus 1. Proof to Israel (Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14). The healed leper’s offering “as a testimony to them” validated both Messiah’s power and His fidelity to Moses. Legal and Mission Setting in the Synoptics Jesus forewarned followers of courts and councils: “You will be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:18; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:13). Here testimony is neither private nor optional; it is God-ordained courtroom evidence whereby rulers themselves are confronted with the claims of Christ. Apostolic Proclamation in Acts Acts 4:33 summarizes early church life: “With great power the apostles continued to give testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was on them all.” The resurrection stood as the decisive, Spirit-empowered proof that Jesus is Lord. The church’s credibility, boldness, and experience of grace all centered on that testimony. Pauline Theology of Testimony • 1 Corinthians 1:6—The gospel established in Corinth is “our testimony about Christ” confirmed by spiritual gifts, proving the risen Lord at work among Gentiles. Witness in Hebrews and James Hebrews 3:5 recalls Moses, “bearing witness to what would be spoken later.” Even Mosaic faithfulness looked beyond itself to a fuller revelation in Christ. James 5:3 warns the rich that corroded treasure “will testify against you,” turning material possessions into courtroom evidence on the day of judgment. The Eschatological Sanctuary Revelation reintroduces Old Testament imagery: “the temple—the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven” (Revelation 15:5). The heavenly counterpart of the Mosaic tent guarantees that final judgments proceed from an unassailable record of God’s covenant dealings. What was once portable on earth now stands eternal in glory, underscoring the permanence of divine witness. Doctrinal Significance 1. Objectivity. Testimony rests on concrete acts of God—Law at Sinai, cross and empty tomb, Spirit-empowered preaching. Practical Ministry Applications • Evangelism: Present the historical facts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as publicly verifiable testimony (Acts 17:31). Summary Strong’s Greek 3142 weaves together Israel’s ark, Christ’s miracles, apostolic preaching, pastoral exhortation, and apocalyptic vision. Each occurrence affirms that God never acts in secret. He discloses His purposes, provides credible evidence, and commissions His people to bear that testimony to the ends of the earth until “the end will come.” Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:4 N-ANSGRK: Μωυσῆς εἰς μαρτύριον αὐτοῖς NAS: commanded, as a testimony to them. KJV: commanded, for a testimony unto them. INT: Moses for a testimony to them Matthew 10:18 N-ANS Matthew 24:14 N-ANS Mark 1:44 N-ANS Mark 6:11 N-ANS Mark 13:9 N-ANS Luke 5:14 N-ANS Luke 9:5 N-ANS Luke 21:13 N-ANS Acts 4:33 N-ANS Acts 7:44 N-GNS 1 Corinthians 1:6 N-NNS 2 Corinthians 1:12 N-NNS 2 Thessalonians 1:10 N-NNS 1 Timothy 2:6 N-ANS 2 Timothy 1:8 N-ANS Hebrews 3:5 N-ANS James 5:3 N-ANS Revelation 15:5 N-GNS Strong's Greek 3142 |
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