The Greek word diasṓzō, represented by G1295, means to save thoroughly. It appears 9 times in 8 unique verses and carries the sense of a complete rescue, cure, or preservation. Its meaning extends from being brought safely through danger to being made perfectly whole from an ailment.
In scripture, G1295 is used to describe various forms of complete deliverance. It is used for physical healing, as when those who touched the hem of Jesus's garment "were made perfectly whole" Matthew 14:36. It also describes rescue from immediate peril, such as when Paul was to be brought "safe" to Felix the governor Acts 23:24, and when the survivors of a shipwreck "escaped all safe to land" Acts 27:44. The word also carries a sense of preservation through divine judgment, as seen in the account of Noah, where eight souls "were saved by water" 1 Peter 3:20.
Several related words help to frame the context of being "saved thoroughly":
- G1014 boúlomai (be willing): This word highlights the intent behind an act of salvation. A centurion, "willing to save Paul," prevented the soldiers from carrying out their plan, leading to the preservation of everyone on board Acts 27:43.
- G1096 gínomai (to become, come to pass): This term often describes the fulfillment of an event. After the shipwreck, the narrative states that "so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land," linking the process to its successful outcome Acts 27:44.
- G1349 díkē (justice, vengeance): This word appears in contrast to being saved. When Paul survived the sea, the natives of Melita assumed he was a murderer whom "vengeance suffereth not to live," showing a belief that divine justice would prevail even after a physical escape Acts 28:4.
The theological weight of G1295 is demonstrated in its application to different kinds of deliverance.
- Comprehensive Rescue: The word emphasizes the completeness of the salvation. Whether it is physical healing from sickness Matthew 14:36 or being brought safely through a storm and shipwreck Acts 27:44, the result is a total deliverance from the threat.
- Preservation Through Judgment: The use of G1295 in reference to Noah's family being "saved by water" points to a deeper theme. It illustrates being brought safely through a moment of widespread divine judgment, a concept that carries significant theological implications 1 Peter 3:20.
- Human and Divine Agency: The act of being saved thoroughly is sometimes initiated by human will, as with the centurion's desire to save Paul Acts 27:43. At other times, it is a direct result of divine power, as when a centurion sent for Jesus to "come and heal his servant" Luke 7:3.
In summary, G1295 is a specific and powerful term for salvation. It goes beyond mere escape to signify a thorough and complete deliverance. From being made "perfectly whole" to being brought "safe" through a catastrophic event, the word illustrates a comprehensive rescue, whether from physical danger, illness, or the waters of divine judgment.
TRV