Brief Overview of ἀμνός (G286)

ἀμνός (amnos) is a Greek word meaning “lamb.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Possible Meanings:

1. Literal Sense: Refers to a young sheep, often used in agriculture and sacrificial rites.
2. Metaphorical Sense: In Christian texts, it is used symbolically to refer to Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God” who is sacrificed for the sins of humanity.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἀμνός as “lamb,” specifically referring to a young sheep. It notes its use in sacrificial contexts in the Old Testament and its prominent metaphorical usage in the New Testament, especially in reference to Jesus Christ. The lexicon elaborates on how ἀμνός is employed to convey the idea of sacrifice and innocence.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ provides a definition of ἀμνός as “lamb,” highlighting its use in classical Greek to refer to a young sheep. The lexicon might also include examples from ancient texts where lambs are used in religious or sacrificial contexts, providing insight into its broader cultural significance.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes ἀμνός as “lamb” and emphasizes its symbolic use in the New Testament. Thayer notes that the term is used to represent Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb, which aligns with its Old Testament sacrificial traditions. Thayer also highlights its literal sense as a young sheep.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance lists ἀμνός (amnos) as the Greek term for “lamb.” It provides references to its occurrences in the Bible, particularly in the context of sacrificial rites and its symbolic use for Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God.”

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Summary:
ἀμνός (amnos) primarily means “lamb,” referring to a young sheep in both literal and sacrificial contexts. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all affirm its use as a symbol of sacrifice, especially in the Christian tradition where Jesus Christ is identified as the “Lamb of God.” The term carries significant theological implications, reflecting its dual role as a literal animal and a profound symbol of redemption.