ἀπολύτρωσις

redemption, deliverance

Definition

ἀπολύτρωσις refers to a release or deliverance secured through the payment of a price, often translated as 'redemption.' In the New Testament, it primarily denotes the liberation of believers from sin and its consequences through Christ's sacrificial death, as seen in Romans 3:24 and Ephesians 1:7. In some passages, like Luke 21:28, it carries a more general sense of deliverance or release in an eschatological context. The word also points to a future, complete redemption of the body at the resurrection, as highlighted in Romans 8:23.

Biblical Usage

This word is used 10 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles (Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians) to articulate the theological concept of redemption through Christ's blood. In Luke 21:28, it appears in Jesus' eschatological discourse, referring to the believer's future deliverance. Paul consistently uses it to describe a present, purchased freedom from sin (Ephesians 1:7) and a future, final redemption awaiting believers (Ephesians 1:14, 4:30).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, 'from') and the verb λύτρωσις (lytrōsis, 'a ransoming' or 'redemption'), which itself comes from λύτρον (lytron, 'ransom price'). The compound emphasizes a release or deliverance 'from' bondage, secured by a payment. It is closely related to the verb ἀπολυτρόω (apolytroō, 'to redeem').

Semantic Range

This is a key theological term for understanding salvation. It underscores that redemption is not a general liberation but a specific, costly deliverance purchased by Christ's death (Mark 10:45). It connects to doctrines of atonement, justification, and eschatology, highlighting both the accomplished work of Christ and the future hope of complete restoration. Grasping its nuance enriches the reading of passages about being 'bought with a price' (1 Corinthians 6:20).

In the Greco-Roman world, the term was used in contexts like freeing slaves through a ransom payment or releasing prisoners of war. This cultural background of a costly transaction for freedom deeply informs its biblical usage, framing humanity's bondage to sin and the price Christ paid to secure our release.

λύτρωσις (lytrōsis, G3085) — a more general term for ransoming or deliverance. λυτρόω (lytroō, G3084) — the verb 'to redeem' or 'ransom.' λύτρον (lytron, G3083) — the 'ransom price' itself.

Word Details

Scripture References