What Lamb Means in the Bible

In Plain English

A lamb was offered as a sacrifice for sin. Jesus is called the Lamb of God who took our place.

What It Means

The sacrificial victim who bears sin and opens the way to God. The Lamb in Revelation is the slain yet victorious Christ, gentle in character yet supreme in authority.

What We Usually Mean By It

A young sheep

Word Origin

A diminutive of 'arn' (lamb), suggesting tenderness. Arnion in Revelation emphasizes the meekness of the One who was slain, and the worthiness that flows from that sacrifice.

What English Loses

The Greek word "ἀρνίον" (arnion), often translated as "Lamb," carries a rich semantic range beyond the English term. It is a diminutive form, suggesting not just a lamb, but a 'little lamb,' evoking innocence, vulnerability, and endearment. In the New Testament, particularly in Revelation, it symbolizes Christ's sacrificial role and victorious meekness. Reading it in Greek highlights the paradox of strength in weakness, emphasizing the profound theological message of victory through sacrifice.

How It Is Used

In key biblical passages, such as Revelation, "ἀρνίον" often appears in the nominative case, functioning as the subject of the sentence. This grammatical positioning underscores its centrality in the narrative. The definite article frequently accompanies it, marking it as a specific, known figure: the Lamb. This use of the article and case elevates its significance, emphasizing the Lamb's unique role in salvation history.

Life in Biblical Times

In the biblical world, lambs were integral to sacrificial practices, symbolizing purity and atonement. The audience would associate "ἀρνίον" with the Passover lamb, a key element of Jewish tradition commemorating deliverance from Egypt. This cultural backdrop enriches the term's use in the New Testament, where it evokes themes of redemption and divine deliverance, resonating deeply with the original audience's understanding of sacrifice and covenant.

Why It Matters

From Abel's offering to the Passover to Calvary, the lamb runs through redemption history. Christ our Passover Lamb was sacrificed once for all. Worthy is the Lamb to receive power and honor forever.

How to Apply It

Your sins were placed on the Lamb who did not resist. Let that truth quiet your striving for acceptance. Worship today not from guilt but from gratitude for the One who was slain for you.

Did You Know?

John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world', identifying Him with the Passover lamb whose blood spared Israel from death.

Key Passage

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”Revelation 5:12 (KJV)

Related Words

Sacrifice (thysia), Blood (haima), Redeem (lytroō)