Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyréō) is essential for grasping the nuances of New Testament writings. This verb is particularly significant because it encompasses the idea of providing additional testimony or confirming a statement. Its usage in the New Testament sheds light on how early Christians and Greek culture approached the concept of witness and testimony, which is central to understanding the reliability of teachings and events.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyréō) [eh-pee-mar-too-REH-oh]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and μαρτυρέω (martyréō, “to testify” or “to bear witness”). Together, they convey the sense of adding testimony or confirming evidence.
- Part of Speech: Verb; active; first person singular present indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To bear witness to something additionally.
- To confirm or corroborate a testimony or statement.
- To offer supporting evidence or witness.
Similar Words: The word μαρτυρέω (martyréō) [mar-too-REH-oh], meaning “to bear witness” or “to testify,” is closely related to ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyréō). While μαρτυρέω focuses on the act of witnessing or testifying, ἐπιμαρτυρέω involves the additional act of confirming or corroborating an existing testimony. Another related term is διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartyromai) [dee-ah-mar-TEE-roh-my], which means “to testify solemnly” or “to declare earnestly,” often used in contexts of emphasizing or underscoring a point of testimony.
Further Insights: As a verb, ἐπιμαρτυρέω follows the standard conjugation patterns of Greek verbs in the present active indicative. Below is a table showing the full conjugation of ἐπιμαρτυρέω:
| Tense/Voice | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Present Active | ἐπιμαρτυρέω (I bear witness) | ἐπιμαρτυροῦμεν (we bear witness) |
| Future Active | ἐπιμαρτυρήσω (I will bear witness) | ἐπιμαρτυρήσομεν (we will bear witness) |
| Aorist Active | ἐπεμαρτυρησα (I bore witness) | ἐπεμαρτυρήσαμεν (we bore witness) |
| Perfect Active | ἐπιμαρτυρηκα (I have borne witness) | ἐπιμαρτυρηκαμεν (we have borne witness) |
| Imperfect Active | ἐπεμαρτυροῦν (I was bearing witness) | ἐπεμαρτυροῦμεν (we were bearing witness) |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐπιμαρτυρέω as “to confirm by adding one’s own testimony,” highlighting its use in contexts where additional or corroborating evidence is provided.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιμαρτυρέω is “to attest further” or “to support another’s testimony,” emphasizing its role in reinforcing claims or statements.
- Vines: Explains ἐπιμαρτυρέω as an act of “bearing additional witness,” often in situations where a more substantial testimony is required to convince or establish facts.
- LSJ: Lists ἐπιμαρτυρέω as “to confirm” or “to corroborate,” especially in legal and rhetorical contexts where evidence needs to be strengthened.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐπιμαρτυρέω as “to testify further” or “bear witness additionally,” with a focus on reinforcing or validating an original testimony.
Related Scripture References
- Romans 10:2: “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”
- Hebrews 11:4: “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying [ἐπεμαρτύρησεν] of his gifts.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The allies came to bear witness (ἐπιμαρτυρέω) to the king’s deeds, strengthening his claim to the throne.” |
| Aristotle | Rhetoric | “In presenting a case, one must provide witnesses who can corroborate (ἐπιμαρτυρέω) the evidence given.” |
| Polybius | Histories | “They sent envoys to further testify (ἐπιμαρτυρέω) regarding the truth of the treaties.” |
| Septuagint | Deuteronomy 19:15 | “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established (ἐπιμαρτυρέω).” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 89:37 | “It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness (ἐπιμαρτυρέω) in heaven.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 8:2 | “And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record (ἐπιμαρτυρέω), Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.” |
Summary of ἐπιμαρτυρέω (G1957)
The Greek word ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyréō) means “to bear witness additionally,” “to confirm,” or “to corroborate.” It is often used in contexts where strengthening or adding to an existing testimony is required, whether in legal, rhetorical, or religious settings. This word is significant in the New Testament and classical literature for understanding how testimony and evidence were perceived and handled in ancient Greek and early Christian communities. Its use reflects the importance of confirmation and support in establishing truths and reinforcing statements.
Did You Know?
The verb ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyréō) emphasizes the value of additional testimony or corroboration in ancient cultures. In Hebrews 11:4, it is used to describe how God “testified” to Abel’s righteousness, providing a divine witness to his faith. This underlines the concept that even divine testimony serves to strengthen and confirm the truth, illustrating how deeply rooted the idea of corroborative evidence is in both spiritual and secular realms of the ancient world.
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