Term

Martyr

A witness; specifically, those who witnessed Jesus' ministry or later testified to their faith through suffering.

Definition

The secular meaning of the Greek word martys (martyr) is a witness, one who bears testimony and witness. For Christians, it initially referred to those who witnessed Jesus' ministry. Later it designated those who by their sufferings had witnessed to their faith in Him.

Sources

1.Alan Richardson and John Bowden The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983). 347
2.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 530

Last revised August 14, 2026