תְּשׁוּעָה

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

Definition

The Hebrew word תְּשׁוּעָה (tᵉshûwʻâh) fundamentally means 'rescue' or 'deliverance,' encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. In its literal sense, it often refers to military victory or national salvation, as seen when Saul secures the 'deliverance' of Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:9). Figuratively, it denotes God's saving intervention for individuals, such as when David praises God for personal 'help' and 'salvation' (2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 18:50). Ultimately, the word points toward God as the sole source of true and ultimate salvation.

Biblical Usage

תְּשׁוּעָה is used 32 times in the Old Testament, primarily in historical narratives and poetic books. It frequently appears in contexts of military deliverance (e.g., Judges 15:18; 2 Samuel 23:10, 12) and national crisis (1 Samuel 11:13; 2 Samuel 19:2). In the Psalms and Prophets, its usage expands to express hope for God's saving intervention, both for the individual and the nation (e.g., Psalm 3:8; Isaiah 12:2).

Etymology

Derived from the root שׁוע (sh-w-ʻ), meaning 'to cry for help,' תְּשׁוּעָה is closely related to the more common verb יָשַׁע (yāshaʻ, H3467), 'to save' or 'deliver.' This etymological link highlights that salvation is a response to a cry of distress. The noun form emphasizes the resulting state or act of being saved.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically central, grounding the biblical concept of salvation in God's responsive action to human need. It underscores that salvation is not an abstract idea but a concrete deliverance initiated by God. Understanding תְּשׁוּעָה enriches reading by connecting Old Testament cries for physical rescue with the New Testament's fulfillment in the spiritual salvation offered through Jesus, whose name (Yeshua) shares the same root.

In ancient Israelite culture, deliverance was often immediate and tangible—victory in battle, rescue from danger, or preservation from enemies. This concrete understanding of salvation shaped their expectations of God, who was seen as a divine warrior and protector. The concept was communal as much as individual, tied to the fate of the nation.

יְשׁוּעָה (yᵉshûʻâh, H3444) — A nearly identical synonym also meaning 'salvation' or 'deliverance,' used more frequently, especially in later biblical texts. יֶשַׁע (yeshaʻ, H3468) — Another noun from the same root, meaning 'salvation' or 'deliverance,' often used in poetic parallelism. פְּלֵטָה (pᵉlêṭâh, H6413) — 'Escape' or 'deliverance,' with a stronger emphasis on fleeing from danger.

Word Details

Scripture References