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G1957 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπιμαρτυρέω
epimartureō
Verb
Bear witness, testify, confirm

Definition

A compound verb from epi (upon, in addition) + martureō (testify), meaning to add testimony, confirm by witness, or bear additional attestation. Used by Peter to confirm that the grace of God is genuine in the believers to whom he writes.

Usage & Theological Significance

Peter's farewell assurance in 1 Peter 5:12 — 'I have written briefly to you, testifying that this is the true grace of God' — uses epimartureō as his final seal. After five chapters addressing suffering, submission, and the hope of glory, he frames the entire letter as added testimony. The word belongs to the judicial sphere — a secondary witness who confirms what the primary witness has already established. For Peter, the primary witness is Christ Himself; Peter's letter is the confirming voice. All faithful preaching and teaching stands in this position: we are not the originating word but the confirming echo — witnesses to the Witness, testifiers to the True.

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
John 21:24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Hebrews 2:4 While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
1 John 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater.
Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

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