"(1) a judicial witness, deponent, Mt. 18:16; Heb. 10:28; (2) generally, a witness to a circumstance, Lk. 24:48; Acts 10:41; in NT a witness, a testifier, of a doctrine, Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 11:3; (3) a martyr, Acts 22:20; Rev. 2:13"
Definition and meaning
(1) a judicial witness, deponent, Mt. 18:16; Heb. 10:28; (2) generally, a witness to a circumstance, Lk. 24:48; Acts 10:41; in NT a witness, a testifier, of a doctrine, Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 11:3; (3) a martyr, Acts 22:20; Rev. 2:13
In the original Greek the word is written: μάρτυς
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 martys (G3144) across the King James Bible.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
And ye are witnesses of these things.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
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Common questions
Strong's G3144 (martys) is a Greek word that means: (1) a judicial witness, deponent, Mt. 18:16; Heb. 10:28; (2) generally, a witness to a circumstance, Lk. 24:48; Acts 10:41; in NT a witness, a testifier, of a doctrine, Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 11:3; (3) a mar... It appears 34 times in the King James Bible.
The word martys (G3144) appears 34 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3144 is martys, a Greek word defined as: (1) a judicial witness, deponent, Mt. 18:16; Heb. 10:28; (2) generally, a witness to a circumstance, Lk. 24:48; Acts 10:41; in NT a witness, a testifi. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
martys is a Greek word found in the New Testament.