neuter of a presumed derivative of μάρτυς; something evidential, i.e. (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the Decalogue (in the sacred Tabernacle):--to be testified, testimony, witness.
Transliteration:martýrion
Pronunciation:mar-too'-ree-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μαρτύριον (martýrion, `{{G3142}}`) is a neuter noun derived from μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`), meaning "witness." At its core, μαρτύριον signifies "something evidential," "evidence given," "testimony," or "witness." It refers not merely to a statement, but to a declaration or object that serves to establish a fact, often with a legal or authoritative weight. Its semantic range includes:
1. **Objective Evidence/Proof:** Something that serves as a factual demonstration or confirmation.
2. **Formal Declaration/Testimony:** A statement made to bear witness to a truth, often in a public or official capacity.
3. **Divine Ordinance/Revelation:** Most notably, in the Septuagint (LXX) and by extension in the New Testament, it refers specifically to the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as God's authoritative "testimony" or "witness" to His covenant people, often associated with the Ark of the Covenant. This special usage highlights its divine origin and binding nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Septuagint (LXX), μαρτύριον frequently translates the Hebrew עֵדוּת (edut, `{{H5715}}`), which refers to "testimony" or "witness." This is most prominently seen in the Pentateuch, where it designates the two tablets of the Law placed in the Ark of the Covenant, hence the "Ark of the Testimony" (e.g., [[Exodus 25:16]], [[Exodus 25:21]], [[Exodus 30:6]]). This establishes μαρτύριον as God's own authoritative, covenantal declaration.
In the New Testament, μαρτύριον appears approximately 20 times, with varied but consistent meanings:
* **As a Sign or Proof:** In the Synoptic Gospels, it often refers to a deed or word that serves as a "testimony" or "proof" for or against someone. For instance, Jesus instructs the cleansed leper to offer the prescribed sacrifice "for a testimony to them" ([[Matthew 8:4]], [[Mark 1:44]], [[Luke 5:14]]), indicating a public confirmation of healing and adherence to the Law. Similarly, when disciples are persecuted, their endurance will be "for a testimony to them" ([[Mark 13:9]], [[Luke 21:13]]), serving as evidence to their accusers or a witness to the truth of the gospel.
* **The Gospel as Testimony:** The preaching of the gospel is explicitly called a μαρτύριον to all nations before the end comes ([[Matthew 24:14]], [[Mark 13:10]]). This underscores the gospel's nature as God's definitive declaration to humanity, serving as both an invitation and a witness against those who reject it. Paul uses it similarly, speaking of the "testimony of Christ" established among the Corinthians ([[1 Corinthians 1:6]]) and his own preaching as a "testimony to God" ([[2 Thessalonians 1:10]]).
* **The "Testimony of Jesus" in Revelation:** This phrase is particularly significant in the Book of Revelation ([[Revelation 1:2]], [[Revelation 1:9]], [[Revelation 12:17]], [[Revelation 19:10]], [[Revelation 20:4]]). It can be understood as the testimony *given by* Jesus (His revelation of truth) or the testimony *about* Jesus (the content of the gospel concerning Him). Crucially, [[Revelation 19:10]] states, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy," indicating that divine prophetic inspiration is centered on revealing Christ. This testimony is upheld by faithful believers, even to the point of martyrdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
μαρτύριον is part of a significant word family related to "witness":
* μάρτυς (martys, `{{G3144}}`): The witness; the person who gives testimony. This is the root word for μαρτύριον.
* μαρτυρέω (martyreō, `{{G3140}}`): The verb "to bear witness," "to testify," "to give evidence."
* μαρτυρία (martyria, `{{G3141}}`): The act or content of bearing witness; the testimony itself. While very close in meaning to μαρτύριον and sometimes used interchangeably, μαρτύριον often carries a stronger nuance of objective evidence or a formal, authoritative declaration, whereas μαρτυρία can be more about the act or process of witnessing.
Other related concepts include:
* ἐντολή (entolē, `{{G1785}}`): Commandment, particularly as the Decalogue is the ultimate μαρτύριον of God's law.
* ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`): Truth, as testimony is inherently about establishing or proclaiming truth.
* εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`): Gospel, which is itself God's authoritative testimony concerning His saving work in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μαρτύριον is profound, encompassing divine revelation, covenant, and the mission of the Church:
* **God's Authoritative Self-Revelation:** The primary theological importance of μαρτύριον stems from its association with the Decalogue. God's Law is His direct, authoritative "testimony" to humanity, revealing His character, His will, and His covenant demands. It is not merely advice but a divine declaration of truth and righteousness.
* **The Gospel as Ultimate Testimony:** In the New Testament, the concept expands to encompass the entire gospel message concerning Jesus Christ. The life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus constitute God's ultimate μαρτύριον to the world, demonstrating His love, justice, and power to redeem. Preaching the gospel, therefore, is bearing God's own testimony to a lost world, inviting belief and establishing accountability.
* **The Spirit of Prophecy and Christ's Testimony:** The declaration that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" ([[Revelation 19:10]]) is a cornerstone. It means that all true prophetic revelation, past, present, and future, finds its source and ultimate focus in Jesus Christ. The Spirit's work is to bear witness to Christ, empowering believers to likewise bear His testimony.
* **The Church's Mission to Witness:** Believers are called to be μάρτυς (witnesses) who proclaim God's μαρτύριον (testimony) to the world. This mission is not merely intellectual but involves living out the truth of the gospel, even in the face of persecution, thereby providing a living μαρτύριον to the power and reality of Christ. The global proclamation of this μαρτύριον is a key eschatological sign, signaling the culmination of God's redemptive plan ([[Matthew 24:14]]).
### Summary
μαρτύριον (martýrion, `{{G3142}}`) is a pivotal Greek term signifying "evidence," "proof," or "testimony." Rooted in the concept of divine law as God's authoritative "witness" (the Decalogue), its meaning expands in the New Testament to encompass the entire gospel message concerning Jesus Christ. It represents God's definitive declaration to humanity, whether as a sign, a warning, or a call to salvation. The "testimony of Jesus" in Revelation highlights its prophetic and empowering nature, emphasizing that divine revelation centers on Christ and calls believers to faithful proclamation, even unto suffering. Thus, μαρτύριον encapsulates the weight of divine truth, the imperative of its communication, and its transformative power in the world.
TRV