lamb of god
C1Religious (Biblical), literary, cultural reference.
Definition
Meaning
A direct reference to Jesus Christ, symbolizing his sacrificial death to take away the sins of the world.
A person, animal, or entity perceived as an innocent, willing sacrifice for a greater cause; also the name of an American heavy metal band.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a theological term. In non-religious contexts, it is almost exclusively an allusion to this Biblical concept or a reference to the band. Capitalization varies ('Lamb of God' is common for the titular reference).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The phrase is used identically in both religious and cultural contexts.
Connotations
Identical strong Christian theological connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low in general discourse, but equally high within Christian theological discussion.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the] + Lamb of God + [who takes away the sins of the world]refer to + [NP] + as the Lamb of GodVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a lamb to the slaughter (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, art history, and literature courses.
Everyday
Rare, except among religious communities or in reference to the band.
Technical
A key technical term in systematic theology and Christology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The hymn glorifies the one who was *lambed of God* for us. (Note: This is a highly non-standard, creative use for illustration only.)
American English
- The sermon focused on what it meant for Christ to *be* the Lamb of God. (Note: 'Lamb of God' is not a verb.)
adjective
British English
- The painting depicted a *Lamb-of-God* symbolism. (Note: Hyphenated adjectival use is rare.)
American English
- He has a *Lamb of God* poster on his wall. (Attributive noun phrase use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We sing about the Lamb of God in church.
- In the Bible, John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God.
- The theological concept of the Lamb of God is central to understanding Christian atonement.
- The aria 'Agnus Dei' movingly petitions the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, for mercy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a peaceful lamb with a halo, carrying a flag with 'AGNUS DEI' (Latin for Lamb of God).
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE/SACRIFICE IS A LAMB; JESUS IS THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'баранчик Бога' – it loses the sacrificial meaning. The correct established term is 'Агнец Божий' (Agniets Bozhiy).
- Do not confuse with just 'lamb' (ягнёнок).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'the god's lamb'. Correct: 'the Lamb of God' (fixed theological title).
- Incorrect lower-case 'l' when referring specifically to Jesus.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Lamb of God' most likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is uniquely Christian. Its use in other contexts (e.g., the band's name) is a direct reference to this Christian concept.
When used as a title for Jesus Christ, it is conventionally capitalised ('the Lamb of God'). In metaphorical extensions, capitalization may vary.
'Lamb of God' is a specific title for Jesus. 'Sacrificial lamb' is a more general term for any innocent victim sacrificed for a cause.
It would sound highly marked and probably religious. In general secular conversation, using a phrase like 'innocent victim' or 'scapegoat' would be more natural unless you are deliberately making a biblical allusion.