The amnós of the Gospel has become the arnı́on of the Apocalypse, a diminutive form suggestive of affection. The word here used differs from that in John. In the Book of Revelation the reference to the Lamb occurs 27 times. That this became the clearly defined conception of apostolic teaching is clear from passages in Paul and Peter ( 1 Corinthians 5:7 1 Peter 1:18 f). The sacrificial significance of the term seems to be far more probable than the mere comparison of the character of our Lord with meekness and gentleness, as suggested by the words of the prophets, although these contain much more than the mere reference to character (see below). The lamb of the Passover would also occupy a large place in the mind of a devout Israelite, and, as the Passover was not far off, it is quite possible that John may have referred to this as well as to other suggested ideas connected with the lamb. How familiar this would be to the Baptist, being a member of a priestly family! On the Sabbath the number of the offerings was doubled, and at some of the great festivals a still larger number were laid upon the altar (see Exodus 29:38 Numbers 28:3, Numbers 28:9, Numbers 28:13 ). In these there was the lamb of the daily morning and evening sacrifice. It is far more probable, however, that the true source of the expression is to be found in the important place which the "lamb" occupies in the sacrifices, especially of the Priestly Code. It has been generally understood as referring to the prophetic language of Jeremiah 11:19, and Isaiah 53:7. ( ὁ ἀμνὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, ho amnós toú theoú ): This is a title specially bestowed upon our Lord by John the Baptist ( John 1:29-36 ), "Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" In Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs an apocryphal book, probably of the 2nd century - we have the term used for the Messiah, "Honor Judah and Levi, for from them shall arise for you the Lamb of God, saving all nations by grace." But the term does not seem to have been of any general use until it received its distinctly Christian significance. McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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