ἀρνίον

a lamb

Definition

In the New Testament, ἀρνίον primarily refers to a lamb, often with sacrificial or symbolic connotations. While its original diminutive sense ('little lamb') was largely lost, it consistently depicts a young, pure, or vulnerable animal. In the Gospel of John 21:15, Jesus uses it literally when instructing Peter to 'feed my lambs.' However, its most significant usage is in the Book of Revelation, where it becomes a powerful title for the exalted Christ, the 'Lamb' who was slain yet stands in triumph (Revelation 5:6). This figure combines imagery of sacrificial death and victorious authority.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 28 times, exclusively in the Johannine writings. It appears once in John's Gospel (John 21:15) in a literal, pastoral context. The remaining 27 occurrences are in Revelation, where it is a central, symbolic title for Jesus Christ. In Revelation, the Lamb (ἀρνίον) is the object of worship (Revelation 5:8, 12-13), the revealer of judgment (Revelation 6:1), and the shepherd of the redeemed (Revelation 7:9-17). This consistent symbolic usage creates a profound thematic thread throughout the book.

Etymology

Derived from the noun ἀρήν (arēn, G704), meaning 'lamb' or 'sheep.' The suffix -ίον often indicates a diminutive ('little lamb'), but this specific form (ἀρνίον) lost its diminutive force in Koine Greek and became the standard word for a lamb. It is not derived from ἀ- (a negative prefix) as sometimes mistakenly suggested; that is a separate prefix.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically central, especially in Revelation. It uniquely identifies Jesus as the sacrificial Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) who achieves victory through submission and death. The title 'Lamb' (ἀρνίον) fuses the concepts of atonement, redemption, and divine sovereignty. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the deliberate choice to use this specific word for 'lamb' over others (like ἀμνός), emphasizing a portrait of Christ that is both vulnerable and all-powerful.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, lambs were common sacrificial animals, particularly in Jewish Passover rituals. A lamb symbolized innocence, purity, and substitutionary atonement. The Book of Revelation's audience would have immediately connected ἀρνίον with this sacrificial system, making its application to a conquering, divine figure startling and profound—transforming a symbol of victimhood into one of ultimate victory.

ἀμνός (amnos, G286) — The more common NT word for a lamb, used for Jesus as the sacrificial 'Lamb of God' in John 1:29, 36 and Acts 8:32. πρόβατον (probaton, G4263) — A more general term for 'sheep' (flock animal).

Word Details

Scripture References