Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "testifies" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the idea of bearing witness to truth, often in the context of God's revelation, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. The act of testifying is a significant theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a means by which God's truth is communicated and affirmed.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "testify" is עוּד (ʿud), which means to bear witness or to affirm something as true. The act of testifying is frequently associated with the covenant relationship between God and His people. For instance, in Deuteronomy 31:26, Moses commands the Levites to place the Book of the Law beside the Ark of the Covenant as a witness against the people of Israel: "Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you." The prophets also played a crucial role in testifying to God's will and calling the people to repentance. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other prophets often spoke of their messages as testimonies from God, urging the Israelites to return to the covenant. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word for "testify" is μαρτυρέω (martyreō), which means to bear witness or to give evidence. The concept of testifying is central to the Gospel message and the mission of the early church. Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Witness Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate witness to the truth of God. In John 18:37, Jesus declares to Pilate, "For this reason I was born and have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice." Jesus' life, death, and resurrection serve as the ultimate testimony to God's redemptive plan for humanity. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in testifying to the truth of Christ. In John 15:26, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, saying, "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to bear witness to the Gospel and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The Apostles and Early Church The apostles were commissioned to testify to the resurrection of Jesus and the salvation available through Him. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' words to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Book of Acts is filled with accounts of the apostles testifying to the truth of the Gospel, often at great personal risk. The Believer's Call to Testify All believers are called to testify to their faith in Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages Christians to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." This call to testify is not only a verbal proclamation but also a demonstration of faith through actions and lifestyle. The Testimony of Scripture Scripture itself is a testimony to God's character, promises, and redemptive work. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The Bible serves as a witness to God's truth and a guide for believers in their walk of faith. Conclusion The theme of testifying in the Bible underscores the importance of bearing witness to God's truth, both through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It is a call to proclaim the Gospel boldly and to live in a manner that reflects the transformative power of God's truth. Greek 4828. summartureo -- to testify or bear witness with ... Word Origin from sun and martureo Definition to testify or bear witness with NASB Word Usage bearing witness (1), testifies (2). testify unto, bear witness. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4828.htm - 6k 3140. martureo -- to bear witness, testify 5250. huperpleonazo -- to abound exceedingly 1263. diamarturomai -- to affirm solemnly Strong's Hebrew 6030a. anah -- to answer, respond... 1), replied (29), replied* (1), respond (6), responded (3), responded* (7), said (1), said* (2), spoke (3), tell (1), testified (1), testifies (3), testify (5 ... /hebrew/6030a.htm - 6k Library The Scripture Moreover Testifies that Believers in this Life have ... For Scripture Testifies, in Regard to those who have a Knowledge ... Christ Plainly Testifies to the Resurrection of the Entire Man not ... Holy Scripture in the New Testament, Even in Its Very First Verse ... We Shall Rise Again, Then, as the Scripture Also Testifies. We Shall Rise Again, Then, as the Scripture Also Testifies. Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the Senate in which He Testifies ... "Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ. " These Words Belong ... What is Really the Good which the Apostle Testifies that He could ... John Points to Jesus as the Suffering Messiah, and Testifies to ... Thesaurus Testifies (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Testifies (19 Occurrences). ... John 3:32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. ... /t/testifies.htm - 11k Valid (10 Occurrences) Testifier (1 Occurrence) Favor (184 Occurrences) Arrogance (30 Occurrences) Myself (395 Occurrences) Testimony (175 Occurrences) Witness (295 Occurrences) Leanness (4 Occurrences) Gauntness (1 Occurrence) Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWas it unfair for God to allow Job to suffer over what was basically an argument between God and Satan? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus coming soon? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Testifies (19 Occurrences)John 1:15 John 3:32 John 5:32 John 5:36 John 8:18 John 19:35 John 21:24 Acts 20:23 Romans 8:16 Romans 9:1 2 Corinthians 1:12 Hebrews 10:15 1 John 5:6 Revelation 22:20 Job 16:8 Proverbs 12:17 Isaiah 3:9 Hosea 5:5 Hosea 7:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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