Pronunciation Guide: am-nos’ (ἀμ-νός)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G286: ἀμνός (amnos) refers to a young lamb, specifically one used for sacrifice. In biblical context, it carries deep sacrificial significance as a pure, unblemished offering. The term emphasizes both the innocence of the sacrificial victim and its designated purpose for atonement.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)
• Root: From the same root as ἄμνη (amne, “ewe lamb”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Ceremonial/sacrificial contexts, prophecy, and theological teaching

ἀμνός Morphology:

• ἀμνός (nominative singular) – a lamb
• ἀμνοῦ (genitive singular) – of a lamb
• ἀμνῷ (dative singular) – to/for a lamb
• ἀμνόν (accusative singular) – a lamb (direct object)

Origin & History

ἀμνός has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it primarily denoted a young sheep or lamb, particularly one suitable for sacrifice. In the Septuagint (LXX), it became the standard translation for the Hebrew כֶּבֶשׂ (keves), especially in contexts of ritual sacrifice. Philo of Alexandria, in his work “De Specialibus Legibus” (1.162-166), extensively discusses the symbolic significance of the lamb in Jewish sacrificial practices.

The term gained particular prominence in Hellenistic Jewish literature, where it became closely associated with the Passover sacrifice. Early church fathers like Justin Martyr (“Dialogue with Trypho,” 40) and Clement of Alexandria (“Paedagogus,” 1.5) extensively used ἀμνός in their writings to connect Old Testament sacrificial imagery with Messianic fulfillment.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A young sheep under one year old
• A sacrificial lamb meeting specific ritual requirements
• A symbol of purity and innocence
• A metaphor for willing sacrifice

ἀμνός Translation Options:

• “lamb” – Most common translation, particularly in sacrificial contexts
• “yearling” – When emphasizing the age requirement for sacrifice
• “sacrificial lamb” – When the sacrificial context needs emphasis
• “Lamb” (capitalized) – When referring specifically to the Messiah

Biblical Usage

The term ἀμνός appears prominently in both testaments, though with particular significance in the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Its first appearance in John 1:29 sets the theological framework for understanding Jesus’s sacrificial role.

The word carries deep sacrificial overtones throughout Scripture, drawing from the rich backdrop of Jewish temple worship and prophecy. The Septuagint’s use of ἀμνός in translating passages about the daily temple sacrifices provides essential context for understanding its New Testament usage.

• “Behold, the Lamb [ἀμνός] of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
• “Behold, the Lamb [ἀμνός] of God!” John 1:36
• “He was led as a sheep to slaughter; And as a lamb [ἀμνός] before its shearer is silent” Acts 8:32
• “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things… but with precious blood, as of a lamb [ἀμνός] unblemished and spotless” 1 Peter 1:19

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the selection of a sacrificial lamb was a meticulous process. The lamb had to be examined for four days before Passover to ensure it was truly without blemish. This practice illuminates the significance of Jesus’s public ministry and examination by religious authorities in the days leading to His crucifixion.

The cultural understanding of ἀμνός was deeply influenced by the daily temple sacrifices, where two lambs were offered each day – one in the morning and one in the evening. This perpetual sacrifice (tamid) shaped the Jewish understanding of continuous atonement and divine-human relationship.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀμνός in reference to Jesus represents a profound theological bridge between the Old and New Covenants. It connects the Passover lamb, the daily sacrifices, and Isaiah’s suffering servant with the ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah. This connection demonstrates God’s consistent plan of redemption throughout biblical history.

The term carries implications of both substitutionary atonement and willing sacrifice. Unlike animal sacrifices that had no choice, Jesus as the ἀμνός of God willingly laid down His life. This voluntary aspect adds a deeper dimension to the sacrificial imagery, revealing both God’s justice and His love.

Personal Application

Understanding Jesus as the ἀμνός of God should transform our approach to both worship and daily living. Just as the lamb was examined for blemishes, we are called to examine our lives and present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This isn’t about perfection through our own efforts, but rather about allowing the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb to transform us.

The concept of the spotless lamb reminds us that holiness matters to God, while simultaneously assuring us that our righteousness comes through faith in His perfect sacrifice rather than our own efforts.

Related Words

• πρόβατον (probaton) – sheep/flock – broader term for sheep of any age – See G4263
• ἀρνίον (arnion) – little lamb – often used in Revelation for the glorified Lamb – See G721
• ποίμνη (poimne) – flock – emphasizes the collective nature of God’s people – See G4167
• θυσία (thysia) – sacrifice – the act or offering of sacrifice – See G2378

Did you Know?

• The Greek ἀμνός shares a fascinating linguistic connection with the Latin “agnus,” which gives us the English word “agnate,” meaning related through paternal descent – a reminder of how the Lamb of God makes us children of the Father.
• In modern Greece, the word ἀμνός is still used in Orthodox Easter celebrations, maintaining its connection to both sacrifice and celebration after thousands of years.
• The requirements for a Passover lamb in Second Temple Judaism included not just physical perfection but also that its mother never had any previous offspring – emphasizing the unique and first-born nature of the sacrifice.

Remember This

ἀμνός embodies the perfect union of innocence and purpose – a spotless lamb destined to fulfill the greatest act of love through sacrificial atonement.