"to call to witness; intrans. to make a solemn affirmation or declaration, Acts 20:26; 26:22; Gal. 5:3; to make a solemn appeal, Eph. 4:17; 1 Thess. 2:12*"
Definition and meaning
to call to witness; intrans. to make a solemn affirmation or declaration, Acts 20:26; 26:22; Gal. 5:3; to make a solemn appeal, Eph. 4:17; 1 Thess. 2:12*
In the original Greek the word is written: μαρτύρομαι
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 martyromai (G3143) across the King James Bible.
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
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Common questions
Strong's G3143 (martyromai) is a Greek word that means: to call to witness; intrans. to make a solemn affirmation or declaration, Acts 20:26; 26:22; Gal. 5:3; to make a solemn appeal, Eph. 4:17; 1 Thess. 2:12* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word martyromai (G3143) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3143 is martyromai, a Greek word defined as: to call to witness; intrans. to make a solemn affirmation or declaration, Acts 20:26; 26:22; Gal. 5:3; to make a solemn appeal, Eph. 4:17; 1 Thess. 2:. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
martyromai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.