Bible Encyclopedias
Martyr

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mar´tẽr ( μαρτύς , martús , Aeolic μαρτύρ , martúr ): One who gives heed, and so, a "witness," so translated in numerous passages, both as of one bearing testimony, and also as of one who is a spectator of anything (see WITNESS ). In the King James Version rendered "martyr" in Acts 22:20 , "thy martyr Stephen"; and Revelation 2:13 , "Antipas my faithful martyr"; also Revelation 17:6 , "the blood of the martyrs of Jesus," where alone the American Standard Revised Version retains "martyrs." These 3 passages are the beginning of the use of the word "martyr" for such witnesses as were faithful even unto death, its uniform modern use.