Lamb (Amnos)
ἀμνός (amnos)
The sacrificial animal — the innocent substitute who bears the sin of the world.
Amnos is the Greek word for lamb, used specifically for Christ as 'the Lamb of God.' The lamb imagery traces from Passover through the prophets to the cross — the innocent substitute who takes away the sin of the world.
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." — John 1:29 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Peter 1:19
“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”Read in context
Revelation 5:12
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G286 — Lamb (Amnos) (ἀμνός (amnos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἀμνός (amnos) appears.
Open Strong's G286Etymology and Original Meaning
Amnos means 'lamb' — a young sheep, particularly one used for sacrifice. The related word arnion (diminutive, 'little lamb') is used extensively in Revelation for Christ. The lamb was the most common sacrificial animal in Israel: gentle, innocent, and without resistance. Its qualities — meekness, purity, vulnerability — make it the supreme image of substitutionary sacrifice.
The Passover Lamb
The lamb imagery begins at the Exodus: each household slaughtered a lamb 'without blemish' and applied its blood to the doorposts (Exodus 12:5-7). When God saw the blood, He passed over that house. The Passover lamb was not punished for its own sins but died in place of the firstborn. Paul declares, 'Christ our passover is sacrificed for us' (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Isaiah's Suffering Servant
Isaiah 53:7 prophesied, 'He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.' This prophecy — centuries before the cross — describes a servant who bears others' sins silently and willingly. Philip identified this lamb as Jesus (Acts 8:32-35). The lamb goes voluntarily, without protest, absorbing the penalty meant for others.
The Lamb on the Throne
Revelation's most stunning image is the slain Lamb standing in the center of heaven's throne (5:6). The Lamb who was sacrificed now reigns. He alone is worthy to open the sealed scroll of history (5:9). Heaven's worship is directed to the Lamb: 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!' (5:12). The victim becomes the victor; the sacrifice becomes the sovereign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?
Jesus is the Lamb of God because He is the ultimate sacrificial substitute — the innocent one who bears the sin of the world. The lamb imagery traces from Passover through Isaiah 53 to the cross, where Christ died in sinners' place.
What does the Lamb in Revelation represent?
The Lamb (arnion) in Revelation is Christ — the slain sacrifice who now reigns from heaven's throne. He is both victim and victor, combining suffering servant and sovereign king in one glorious figure.
What is the Greek word for "Lamb (Amnos)" in the Bible?
ἀμνός (amnos), pronounced "am-NOS." It means the sacrificial animal — the innocent substitute who bears the sin of the world. Its Strong's number is G286. It is the word behind "Lamb (Amnos)" in the New Testament, for example in John 1:29.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Lamb (Amnos)"?
John 1:29 — "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (KJV). It also appears in 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 5:12.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Lamb (Amnos) (ἀμνός (amnos))
The sacrificial animal — the innocent substitute who bears the sin of the world.
Strong's G286 — Lamb (Amnos)
ἀμνός (amnos) • The sacrificial animal — the innocent substitute who bears the sin of the world.
Lamb (שֶׂה (Seh) / ἀμνός (Amnos))
A sacrificial animal symbolizing Christ's innocent, atoning death
The Passover — Firstborn Spared
The blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts spared every Israelite firstborn t
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Prayer & Worship
What Is the Passover in the Bible?
History & Origins
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Lamb (Amnos)? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
- Read the KJV Bible online freeFull text, chapter by chapter.Continue