Lexical Summary marturomai: To testify, to bear witness, to affirm solemnly Original Word: μαρτύρομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take to record, testify. Middle voice from martus; to be adduced as a witness, i.e. (figuratively) to obtest (in affirmation or exhortation) -- take to record, testify. see GREEK martus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom martus Definition to summon as witness, to affirm NASB Translation affirm (1), imploring (1), testify (2), testifying (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3143: μαρτύρομαιμαρτύρομαι (from μάρτυρ (cf. μάρτυς)); 1. to cite a witness, bring forward a witness, call to witness (Tragg., Thucydides, Plato, and following); to affirm by appeal to God, to declare solemnly, protest: ταῦτα, Plato, Phil., p. 47 c.; ὅτι, Acts 20:26; Galatians 5:3. 2. to conjure, beseech as in God's name, exhort solemnly: τίνι, Acts 26:22 L T Tr WH; followed by the accusative with the infinitive, Ephesians 4:17; εἰς τό followed by accusative with an infinitive (cf. Buttmann, § 140, 10, 3), 1 Thessalonians 2:12-11T Tr WH. (Compare: διαμαρτύρομαι, προμαρτύρομαι.) Used only five times, μαρτύρομαι expresses a formal, weight-bearing testimony. It is more than casual speech; it is an oath-like affirmation delivered in the hearing of God and people, binding both speaker and audience to the truth declared. Pattern of New Testament Usage 1. Acts 20:26 – Paul’s farewell at Miletus: “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.” Historical Setting The verb appears exclusively in Pauline material—two missionary speeches in Acts and three epistles written to churches he founded or fathered. Each context involves a decisive moment when the apostle must secure the conscience of his listeners: a farewell, a legal defense, a doctrinal controversy, a moral exhortation, and the ongoing shepherding of new believers. Theological Weight 1. Accountability before God Acts 20:26 reveals Paul’s awareness that delivering the whole counsel of God places him under Ezekiel-like watchman responsibility. His testimony absolves him from blood-guilt, underscoring every minister’s duty to declare the entire gospel. 2. Integrity of the Gospel Galatians 5:3 employs the verb to expose the impossibility of selective law-keeping. The solemn witness functions as a theological plumb line: add works to grace and one forfeits grace entirely (Galatians 5:4). 3. Sanctified Conduct Ephesians 4:17 anchors ethical transformation in divine authority. The testimony “in the Lord” leaves believers without excuse for continuing pagan patterns, linking doctrine to daily life. 4. Parental Shepherding In 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Paul’s testimony is woven with encouragement and comfort, reflecting the gentle firmness of spiritual fatherhood. The verb marks the high stakes of Christian growth—God’s kingdom and glory. 5. Continuity of Revelation Acts 26:22 shows Paul aligning his testimony with Moses and the prophets. Gospel proclamation is not innovation but fulfillment, reinforcing the unity of Scripture from Old to New Covenants. Pastoral and Missional Implications • Preachers and teachers: μαρτύρομαι calls for fearless proclamation that clears the preacher’s conscience and protects the flock. Relationship to Old Testament Witness The Septuagint reserves similar forensic language for courtroom settings and covenant affirmations (for example, Deuteronomy 30:19; Psalm 50:7). Paul, steeped in that tradition, re-employs the concept to frame gospel preaching as covenantal summons. The hearer cannot remain neutral; the testimony demands a response. Christological Focus While the verb itself highlights Paul’s role, each passage ultimately bears witness to Christ: His atoning blood (Acts 20:28 context), His all-sufficient grace (Galatians), His lordship over conduct (Ephesians), His kingdom call (1 Thessalonians), and His fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 26). Ethical Urgency Because μαρτύρομαι binds both speaker and audience under divine scrutiny, its occurrences function as moral flashpoints in the narrative. They signal moments when eternal consequences are explicitly set before the hearers, urging immediate obedience or repentance. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3143 stands at crucial crossroads of apostolic ministry—where gospel truth, ethical demand, pastoral care, and public witness converge. Its sparse yet strategic appearances remind every generation that Christian proclamation is a solemn testimony rendered before the living God, compelling the church to speak and live with uncompromised integrity. Englishman's Concordance Acts 20:26 V-PIM/P-1SGRK: διότι μαρτύρομαι ὑμῖν ἐν NAS: Therefore, I testify to you this day KJV: I take you to record this day, INT: Therefore I testify to you in Acts 26:22 V-PPM/P-NMS Galatians 5:3 V-PIM/P-1S Ephesians 4:17 V-PIM/P-1S 1 Thessalonians 2:12 V-PPM/P-NMP Strong's Greek 3143 |
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