"testimony, evidence, Acts 4:33; 2 Cor. 1:12; Jas. 5:3; in NT testimony, mode of solemn declaration, Mt. 8:4; Lk. 9:5; testimony, matter of solemn declaration, 1 Cor. 1:6; 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:6; σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου, a title of the Mosaic tabernacle, Acts 7:44; Rev. 15:5"
Definition and meaning
testimony, evidence, Acts 4:33; 2 Cor. 1:12; Jas. 5:3; in NT testimony, mode of solemn declaration, Mt. 8:4; Lk. 9:5; testimony, matter of solemn declaration, 1 Cor. 1:6; 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:6; σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου, a title of the Mosaic tabernacle, Acts 7:44; Rev. 15:5
In the original Greek the word is written: μαρτύριον
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 martyrion (G3142) across the King James Bible.
And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
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Common questions
Strong's G3142 (martyrion) is a Greek word that means: testimony, evidence, Acts 4:33; 2 Cor. 1:12; Jas. 5:3; in NT testimony, mode of solemn declaration, Mt. 8:4; Lk. 9:5; testimony, matter of solemn declaration, 1 Cor. 1:6; 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:6; σκηνὴ τοῦ μα... It appears 20 times in the King James Bible.
The word martyrion (G3142) appears 20 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3142 is martyrion, a Greek word defined as: testimony, evidence, Acts 4:33; 2 Cor. 1:12; Jas. 5:3; in NT testimony, mode of solemn declaration, Mt. 8:4; Lk. 9:5; testimony, matter of solemn decl. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
martyrion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.