Word Research
The Power of "Testimony" in Scripture
The Witness of God, Scripture, and Believers—The word Testimony carries deep significance throughout the Bible, representing both divine revelation and personal witness. From God’s law in the Ark of the Testimony to the faithful witness of believers, this study uncovers its prophetic and spiritual meaning.
Occurrences of 'Testimony' in Scripture
The word Testimony appears frequently in Scripture, signifying both legal witness and divine revelation. It is used to describe God’s law, prophetic messages, and personal accounts of faithfulness. Here are key passages where the term holds significance:
📜 Exodus 25:16 – The Ark of the Testimony, holding the Ten Commandments.
📜 Deuteronomy 31:26 – The Law as a testimony against Israel.
📜 Psalm 19:7 – “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
📜 John 3:11 – Jesus testifies of heavenly things.
📜 John 5:39 – The Scriptures testify of Christ.
📜 Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
Hebrew and Greek Definitions of Testimony
🕎 Hebrew: עֵדוּת (eduth)
The word eduth means witness, evidence, or testimony. It often refers to God’s law as a testimony to Israel and the world.
✝️ Greek: μαρτυρία (martyria)
The Greek word martyria carries the meaning of witness, proof, or a record. It is the root of the English word martyr, emphasizing that testimony often requires personal sacrifice.
Types of Testimonies in Scripture
1️⃣ God’s Testimony (Divine Witness)
📖 Psalm 119:88 – God’s statutes are His testimonies.
📖 1 John 5:9-11 – The testimony of God is greater than that of men.
2️⃣ Testimony of the Prophets and Scripture
🔥 2 Peter 1:19 – The prophetic word is a sure testimony.
📖 John 5:39 – The entire Bible testifies of Christ.
3️⃣ Testimony of Believers
📖 Revelation 12:11 – Overcoming by the word of testimony.
📖 Acts 1:8 – “You shall be witnesses unto me.”
Prophetic Significance and Fulfillment in Christ
The testimony in Scripture ultimately points to Christ:
🔥 John 8:18 – Jesus testifies of Himself, and the Father bears witness.
🔥 Revelation 19:10 – “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
🔥 Luke 24:27 – Jesus explained how all Scriptures testify of Him.
🌟 Prophetic & Symbolic Meanings
The word Testimony carries deep prophetic and symbolic significance, often representing divine truth, faithfulness, and judgment:
🏛 The Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 25:16) – The physical representation of God’s covenant and law.
⚖ Testimony as a Legal Witness (Deuteronomy 31:26) – A record against Israel’s disobedience, symbolizing God’s righteous judgment.
🕊 The Testimony of Jesus (Revelation 19:10) – The essence of prophecy, revealing God’s divine plan.
🔥 The Blood of the Martyrs (Revelation 12:11) – Testimony tied to sacrifice, showing the ultimate witness of faith.
Testimony Conclusion
The concept of Testimony is central to both legal witness and divine truth. God testifies through His law and prophets, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of testimony, and believers are called to be living testimonies of His power. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, affirming that all Scripture points to Him.
This study lays the groundwork for deeper exploration into witnessing, prophecy, and faithfulness. Up next: A new word study to continue uncovering biblical truth!
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. – John 21:24
Testimony In English
Testimony
Testimony In Hebrew
עֵדוּת (eduth) – The word eduth means witness, evidence, or testimony. It often refers to God’s law as a testimony to Israel and the world.
Testimony In Greek
μαρτυρία (martyria) – The Greek word martyria carries the meaning of witness, proof, or a record. It is the root of the English word martyr, emphasizing that testimony often requires personal sacrifice.
Word Count
The word “Testimony” appears 84 times in the Old Testament and 37 times in the New Testament (KJV).