Lamb
שֶׂה (Seh) / ἀμνός (Amnos)
A sacrificial animal symbolizing Christ's innocent, atoning death
The lamb is one of the most powerful symbols in the Bible, representing innocence, sacrifice, and atonement. From the Passover lamb to 'the Lamb of God,' this image points directly to Jesus Christ's sacrificial death for the sins of the world.
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." — John 1:29 (KJV)
Key Verses
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.”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
The Lamb in Scripture
From Genesis to Revelation, the lamb is central to the biblical story. When Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, God provided a ram as a substitute (Genesis 22). The Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from the angel of death in Egypt (Exodus 12). The daily temple sacrifices involved lambs offered morning and evening. This consistent imagery prepared the way for the ultimate Lamb — Jesus Christ.
The Passover Connection
The Passover lamb is perhaps the most significant Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ. In Exodus 12, each Israelite family was commanded to select a lamb without blemish, kill it at twilight, and apply its blood to their doorframes. When the angel of death passed through Egypt, every home marked by the blood was spared. Paul explicitly identifies Christ as 'our passover' who was 'sacrificed for us' (1 Corinthians 5:7).
The Lamb of God
When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he declared, 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29). This title encapsulates the entire Old Testament sacrificial system and points to its fulfillment in Christ. Jesus is the perfect, sinless Lamb whose death provides complete and final atonement — not just for Israel but for the entire world.
The Lamb on the Throne
Revelation presents the stunning image of a Lamb who was slain yet stands victorious on the throne of heaven (Revelation 5). This Lamb — Jesus Christ — is worthy to open the sealed scroll and accomplish God's final purposes. The same One who was led to slaughter in weakness now reigns in power. The Lamb's triumph is the ultimate reversal: through apparent defeat, He achieved the greatest victory in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?
Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Just as lambs were sacrificed to atone for sin, Jesus — sinless and innocent — offered Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. His death fulfilled what all previous lamb sacrifices foreshadowed.
What does the Lamb represent in Revelation?
In Revelation, the Lamb represents Jesus Christ — specifically His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. Though 'slain,' the Lamb stands alive and victorious, worthy to receive all power and worship. He opens the sealed scroll (God's plan for history), defeats evil, and reigns eternally. The Lamb in Revelation is the conquering King.
What is the Hebrew word for "Lamb" in the Bible?
שֶׂה (Seh) / ἀμνός (Amnos), pronounced "SEH / am-NOS." It means a sacrificial animal symbolizing christ's innocent, atoning death. It is the word behind "Lamb" in both Testaments, for example in John 1:29.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Lamb"?
John 1:29 — "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 53:7, Revelation 5:12.
Related Words
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Lamb (שֶׂה (Seh) / ἀμνός (Amnos))
A sacrificial animal symbolizing Christ's innocent, atoning death
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.
The Passover — Firstborn Spared
The blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts spared every Israelite firstborn t
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