Bible Dictionaries
Martyr

Holman Bible Dictionary

The transliteration of a Greek word meaning “witness,” in particular one who gives his life for a cause. In later usage it was applied to those who died because of their faith in Christ rather than recant. The transliteration was used for these persons and the translation “witness” came to be used for those who testified of Christ but were not put to death.

Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Martyr'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​m/martyr.html. 1991.