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.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Martyr'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/m/martyr.html. 1991.