Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "witnesses" carries significant theological and legal implications, serving as a crucial element in both the Old and New Testaments. The concept of witnessing is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, as well as in the judicial processes of ancient Israel.Old Testament In the Old Testament, witnesses are often associated with legal proceedings. The Mosaic Law required the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter, particularly in cases involving serious accusations such as idolatry or murder. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This requirement underscores the importance of corroborated testimony in ensuring justice and preventing false accusations. Witnesses also played a role in covenantal ceremonies. For instance, in Joshua 24:22 , Joshua tells the Israelites, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD." Here, the people themselves serve as witnesses to their commitment to God, highlighting the communal aspect of witnessing in the context of faith and obedience. Prophetic Witness The prophets of the Old Testament often served as witnesses to God's word and His covenant with Israel. Isaiah 43:10 declares, "You are My witnesses," says the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He." The prophetic witness involves both the proclamation of God's truth and the call to repentance, serving as a testament to God's ongoing relationship with His people. New Testament In the New Testament, the concept of witnessing takes on a new dimension with the advent of Jesus Christ. The apostles and early Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' commission to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This mandate emphasizes the role of believers in spreading the Gospel and testifying to the transformative power of Christ. The apostolic witness is foundational to the Christian faith, as seen in the writings of the New Testament. The Apostle John, for example, emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony in 1 John 1:1-2 : "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life—the life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it." Martyrdom as Witness The Greek word for witness, "martys," is the root of the English word "martyr," reflecting the ultimate testimony of faith through suffering and death. Early Christians who faced persecution and martyrdom were seen as powerful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. Revelation 2:13 commends the faithfulness of Antipas, "My faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells." Theological Implications The role of witnesses in the Bible extends beyond legal and historical contexts to encompass a theological dimension. Believers are called to bear witness to God's truth, both in word and deed, reflecting His character and purposes in the world. This calling involves a commitment to truth, justice, and the proclamation of the Gospel, as well as a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. In summary, the concept of witnesses in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing legal, prophetic, and evangelical dimensions. It underscores the importance of truth, accountability, and the faithful proclamation of God's word throughout the biblical narrative. Greek 5577b. pseudomartus -- a false witness ... 5577a, 5577b. pseudomartus. 5578 . a false witness. Transliteration: pseudomartus Short Definition: witnesses. Word Origin from ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5577b.htm - 5k 3144. martus -- a witness 3140. martureo -- to bear witness, testify Strong's Hebrew 5707. ed -- a witness... witness. Word Origin from ud Definition a witness NASB Word Usage evidence (1), witness (45), witnesses (23). witness. Contracted ... /hebrew/5707.htm - 6k Library The Cloud of Witnesses The Apostolic Witnesses Christ's Witnesses Christ's Witnesses A Cloud of Witnesses. Whether Before the Public Denunciation Witnesses Ought to be ... Whether the Witnesses of the Transfiguration were Fittingly Chosen ... Iren??us Commended by the Witnesses in a Letter. And Now by Plainest Witnesses of Divine Scriptures... Wherefore a Few Witnesses, which the Lord Deigns to Suggest to My ... Thesaurus Witnesses (69 Occurrences)...Witnesses (69 Occurrences). ... Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. (KJV BBE WBS). ... /w/witnesses.htm - 27k Eye-witnesses (4 Occurrences) Witness (295 Occurrences) Evidence (41 Occurrences) Confirmed (34 Occurrences) Witnessed (21 Occurrences) None (573 Occurrences) Robes (124 Occurrences) Miracle (15 Occurrences) Signed (8 Occurrences) Resources Who are the two witnesses in the book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Jehovah's Witnesses and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.org Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses - what is the key? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Witnesses (69 Occurrences)Matthew 10:18 Matthew 18:16 Matthew 23:31 Matthew 26:60 Matthew 26:65 Matthew 27:13 Mark 13:9 Mark 14:55 Mark 14:57 Mark 14:60 Mark 14:63 Luke 11:48 Luke 21:13 Luke 24:48 John 3:28 John 15:27 John 18:21 Acts 1:8 Acts 2:32 Acts 3:15 Acts 5:32 Acts 6:13 Acts 7:58 Acts 10:39 Acts 10:41 Acts 13:31 1 Corinthians 15:15 2 Corinthians 13:1 1 Thessalonians 2:10 1 Timothy 1:10 1 Timothy 5:19 1 Timothy 6:12 2 Timothy 2:2 Hebrews 10:28 Hebrews 12:1 1 John 5:8 Revelation 11:3 Revelation 11:4 Revelation 17:6 Numbers 35:30 Deuteronomy 4:26 Deuteronomy 17:6 Deuteronomy 17:7 Deuteronomy 19:15 Deuteronomy 30:19 Deuteronomy 31:28 Joshua 24:22 Ruth 4:9 Ruth 4:10 Ruth 4:11 Job 10:17 Psalms 27:12 Psalms 34:3 Psalms 35:11 Isaiah 3:9 Isaiah 8:2 Isaiah 33:8 Isaiah 43:9 Isaiah 43:10 Isaiah 43:12 Isaiah 43:21 Isaiah 44:8 Isaiah 44:9 Jeremiah 6:18 Jeremiah 32:10 Jeremiah 32:12 Jeremiah 32:25 Jeremiah 32:44 Hosea 7:10 Subtopics Related Terms |