ἀμνός (amnos)
amnos
lamb
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun amnos simply means "lamb," but in the New Testament it carries a heavy theological weight by linking Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system. The sources note that this Greek word is used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, primarily for the Hebrew word keves, which refers specifically to a lamb or kid used in offerings. This connection establishes amnos not just as an animal, but as a symbol of innocence and sacrificial purpose.
Four verses use this term, appearing in John, Acts, and First Peter. In John 1:29 and 1:36, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God," framing his identity around removal of sin. Similarly, Acts 8:32 quotes Isaiah regarding a sheep led to slaughter, while First Peter 1:19 contrasts the perishable silver and gold with the precious blood of Christ, described here as that of a lamb without blemish. These references highlight the word’s role in portraying Jesus’ death as a voluntary, atoning sacrifice.
The sources emphasize that amnos is distinct from other Greek words for sheep because it specifically evokes the imagery of the sacrificial lamb. This usage underscores the Christian understanding of Jesus’ death as fulfilling the Old Testament pattern of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is given to cover the guilt of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amnos points directly to Jesus as the perfect sacrifice. In the ancient world, a lamb was innocent and vulnerable, yet its death brought life for others. When John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God,” he is not just using a poetic image. He is declaring that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament pattern of substitutionary atonement.
This truth offers deep comfort. You do not need to earn forgiveness through your own efforts. Jesus took the place of sinners, bearing the weight of guilt so that you might be free. His blood, described as precious and without blemish, secures a permanent redemption that nothing else can match.
Reflecting on this sacrifice changes how we see our value. We are loved not because of what we do, but because of what He did. This assurance anchors the soul in grace, inviting us to rest in the finished work of Christ rather than striving for approval.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Lamb2×
- of a lamb1×
- a lamb1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμνὸς3×
- ἀμνοῦ1×
Key Verses
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John 1:29
The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
This verse establishes the core theological claim that Jesus’ mission is to actively remove the sin of the entire world.
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John 1:36
and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
Here the title is repeated in a personal context, showing how disciples recognize Jesus’ identity through witness.
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Acts 8:32
Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth.
This quote from Isaiah connects Jesus’ silent suffering to the prophetic imagery of a lamb led to slaughter.
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I Peter 1:19
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ,
Peter contrasts Christ’s blood with silver and gold, emphasizing the unique worth of His sacrificial death.