### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **amnós**, represented by `{{G286}}`, is a primary word meaning **a lamb**. Though it appears only **4 times** in 4 unique verses, its usage is theologically dense, serving as a powerful and specific title for Jesus Christ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G286}}` is introduced in the biblical narrative by John the Baptist. Upon seeing Jesus, he declares, "Behold the **Lamb** of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" [[John 1:29]]. He repeats the core of this identification later, stating simply, "Behold the **Lamb** of God!" [[John 1:36]]. The word also appears in a passage of scripture read aloud in Acts, which describes one who "was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a **lamb** dumb before his shearer" [[Acts 8:32]]. Finally, it is used to illustrate the nature of Christ's sacrifice, which was made not with corruptible things, but "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a **lamb** without blemish and without spot" [[1 Peter 1:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of `{{G286}}`:
* `{{G2316}}` **theós** (a deity, especially... the supreme Divinity): This term is paired directly with `{{G286}}` to form the title "the **Lamb** of **God**," identifying the divine origin and authority behind the sacrifice [[John 1:29]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): This word defines the problem that the **Lamb** of God comes to solve, as He "taketh away the **sin** of the world" [[John 1:29]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood... specially the atoning blood of Christ): The sacrifice of the **lamb** is realized through its "precious **blood**," which is the means of redemption [[1 Peter 1:19]].
* `{{G299}}` **ámōmos** (unblemished): This descriptor qualifies the **lamb**, signifying the perfection and faultless nature required for such a sacrifice [[1 Peter 1:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G286}}` is immense and focused entirely on the person and work of Christ.
* **Atoning Sacrifice:** The primary purpose of the **Lamb** is to be a sacrifice that deals with **sin** `{{G266}}`. The statement that He "taketh away the sin of the world" is a foundational soteriological claim [[John 1:29]].
* **Perfect Purity:** The **lamb** is described as "without blemish" `{{G299}}` and "without spot" `{{G784}}`, highlighting the sinless perfection of Christ that makes His sacrifice effective [[1 Peter 1:19]].
* **Silent Submission:** The image of a **lamb** led to the **slaughter** `{{G4967}}` without protest illustrates the willing and submissive nature of Christ's suffering [[Acts 8:32]].
* **Divine Designation:** The title is not self-appointed but declared as "the **Lamb** of **God**" `{{G2316}}`, indicating that this role is a divine appointment and mission ([[John 1:29]], [[John 1:36]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G286}}` is far more than a simple reference to an animal. It is a profound Christological title that encapsulates the essence of the gospel. In just four verses, the term **lamb** is used to define Jesus's identity as the divinely-appointed, perfect, and submissive sacrifice whose precious blood atones for the sin of the world.
TRV