"to witness or testify against, Mt. 26:62; 27:13; Mk. 14:60*"
Definition and meaning
to witness or testify against, Mt. 26:62; 27:13; Mk. 14:60*
In the original Greek the word is written: καταμαρτυρέω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of katamartyreo (G2649) across the King James Bible.
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
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Common questions
Strong's G2649 (katamartyreo) is a Greek word that means: to witness or testify against, Mt. 26:62; 27:13; Mk. 14:60* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word katamartyreo (G2649) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2649 is katamartyreo, a Greek word defined as: to witness or testify against, Mt. 26:62; 27:13; Mk. 14:60*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
katamartyreo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.