### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀρνίον (arníon, `{{G721}}`) is a diminutive form of ἀρήν (arēn, `{{G720}}`), which means "lamb." The suffix "-ion" typically denotes smallness, tenderness, or endearment, thus lending the meaning of "lambkin" or "little lamb." While its literal meaning refers to a young sheep, in the New Testament, particularly within the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation, ἀρνίον transcends this literal sense to become a profound and central theological title for Jesus Christ. It encapsulates not only His sacrificial nature but also His innocence, His divine authority, and His ultimate triumph.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀρνίον appears 29 times in the New Testament. Of these, 28 occurrences are found exclusively within the Book of Revelation, where it serves as the primary designation for Jesus Christ. The sole exception is [[John 21:15]], where Jesus instructs Peter, "Feed my lambs" (βοσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου), referring to young believers in a pastoral context.
In Revelation, the "Lamb" (τὸ ἀρνίον) is the pivotal figure in God's redemptive and eschatological plan:
* **Sacrificial and Victorious:** The Lamb is depicted as "standing, as though it had been slain" ([[Revelation 5:6]]), powerfully conveying His past sacrifice and present resurrected state. His atoning death is the basis for His worthiness.
* **Divine Authority and Worthiness:** The Lamb is uniquely worthy to open the scroll with seven seals ([[Revelation 5:2-5]], [[Revelation 5:9]]), signifying His absolute authority over history and judgment. He is worshipped by all creation alongside God the Father ([[Revelation 5:13]], [[Revelation 7:10]]).
* **Shepherd and Leader:** The Lamb leads His people to springs of living water ([[Revelation 7:17]]), embodying a pastoral role even in His exalted state.
* **Warrior and Conqueror:** Despite the tenderness implied by "lambkin," this Lamb is a formidable warrior who defeats His enemies ([[Revelation 17:14]]).
* **Light and Temple of the New Jerusalem:** In the heavenly city, the Lamb is its lamp and its temple ([[Revelation 21:22-23]]), indicating His indispensable presence and glory.
* **Source of Life:** The "book of life of the Lamb" ([[Revelation 13:8]], [[Revelation 21:27]]) contains the names of the redeemed, underscoring His role in salvation.
* **Eschatological Consummation:** The "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([[Revelation 19:7]], [[Revelation 19:9]]) signifies the ultimate union between Christ and His Church.
The pervasive and consistent use of ἀρνίον in Revelation, as opposed to ἀμνός (amnós, `{{G283}}`) which is used for the "Lamb of God" in [[John 1:29]], suggests a deliberate choice to emphasize not only Christ's sacrificial nature but also His tender care, His innocence, and His ultimate, triumphant reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ἀρήν (arēn, `{{G720}}`): The base word for "lamb," appearing only once in the New Testament ([[Luke 10:3]]).
* ἀμνός (amnós, `{{G283}}`): Also translated as "lamb," this term is notably used by John the Baptist to identify Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([[John 1:29]], [[John 1:36]]). It appears elsewhere in connection with Christ's sacrifice, referencing [[Isaiah 53:7]] in [[Acts 8:32]] and Christ's blamelessness in [[1 Peter 1:19]]. While both ἀρνίον and ἀμνός denote a lamb, ἀμνός more directly evokes the Old Testament sacrificial lamb imagery (e.g., the Passover lamb, `{{H6349}}` *pesach*, or the sacrificial sheep, `{{H7716}}` *seh*).
* **Old Testament Lamb Imagery:** The concept of a sacrificial lamb is foundational in the Old Testament, from the Passover lamb in [[Exodus 12]] to the daily temple sacrifices and the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in [[Isaiah 53]] who is "led like a lamb to the slaughter" (`{{H7716}}`). These types foreshadow the ultimate Lamb, Jesus Christ.
* **Shepherd Imagery:** Intimately linked with lambs is the concept of a shepherd. Jesus identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" ([[John 10:11]], [[John 10:14]]), and in Revelation, the Lamb Himself takes on the role of shepherding His redeemed ([[Revelation 7:17]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀρνίον is profound and multifaceted:
* **Atoning Sacrifice:** The primary theological truth conveyed by the "Lamb" is Christ's atoning sacrifice. His being "slain" ([[Revelation 5:6]]) is the basis for redemption, forgiveness, and new life, fulfilling all the Old Testament types and shadows.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Authority:** The Lamb in Revelation is not a passive victim but the active, sovereign agent of God's plan. His unique worthiness to open the scroll ([[Revelation 5:2-5]]) underscores His ultimate authority over creation, history, and judgment. His reign is intertwined with that of God the Father.
* **Divine Identity and Worship:** The Lamb receives worship alongside God the Father ([[Revelation 5:13]], [[Revelation 7:10]]), a powerful affirmation of His co-equality and divine nature within the Trinity. He is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and power.
* **Paradox of Gentleness and Power:** The diminutive ἀρνίον suggests tenderness and vulnerability, yet in Revelation, this "Lamb" is also the conquering King, overcoming all opposition ([[Revelation 17:14]]). This paradox highlights the unique character of Christ: the humble servant who willingly suffered, yet who is also the Almighty, sovereign Lord.
* **Eschatological Hope and Consummation:** The Lamb is central to the consummation of God's redemptive history. He is the light and temple of the New Jerusalem, the one who leads the redeemed, and the focus of the eternal marriage supper. The vision of the Lamb offers profound hope for the future, assuring believers of God's ultimate victory and their eternal fellowship with Him.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀρνίον (arníon, `{{G721}}`), a diminutive of "lamb," primarily meaning "lambkin," holds immense theological significance in the New Testament. While used literally once in [[John 21:15]], its overwhelming presence (28 times) in the Book of Revelation transforms it into a rich and central title for Jesus Christ. In Revelation, the ἀρνίον embodies the crucified and resurrected Christ, emphasizing His atoning sacrifice ([[Revelation 5:6]]), His unparalleled authority and worthiness ([[Revelation 5:12]]), His divine identity worthy of universal worship ([[Revelation 5:13]]), and His ultimate triumph over all evil ([[Revelation 17:14]]). The use of the diminutive form subtly conveys both His tender, innocent nature and His majestic, conquering power. This "Lamb" is the very heart of God's redemptive plan, serving as the shepherd, the light, and the ultimate hope for the redeemed in the new heavens and new earth ([[Revelation 21:22-23]]).
TRV