probably from the alternate of ἔρχομαι; unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or liability):--free (man, woman), at liberty.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros), Strong's number `{{G1658}}`, derives etymologically from a root related to ἔρχομαι (erchomai), implying an unrestrained ability "to go at pleasure." This core meaning immediately suggests a state of being unhindered or unconstrained. Its primary semantic range encompasses both literal and figurative dimensions of "freedom." In its most fundamental sense, ἐλεύθερος denotes a person who is "not a slave," whether by birth (freeborn) or by manumission (emancipated). This literal sense underscores a legal and social status characterized by autonomy and self-possession, as opposed to the subjugation inherent in slavery. Figuratively, and often applied in a genitive construction, ἐλεύθερος extends to mean "exempt from obligation or liability." This broader application signifies a release from duties, taxes, or any form of external compulsion. Thus, the word encapsulates the concept of liberty, both in terms of social standing and freedom from specific burdens or controls.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐλεύθερος appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications across social, legal, and profound theological contexts.
Literally, it is used to distinguish between a "slave" (δοῦλος, `{{G1401}}`) and a "free person." Paul often employs this dichotomy in his discussions of Christian unity and equality, asserting that in Christ, social distinctions such as "slave or free" are transcended ([[1 Corinthians 12:13]], [[Galatians 3:28]], [[Colossians 3:11]]). This does not abolish the social structure but redefines identity and status within the believing community. In [[1 Corinthians 7:21-22]], Paul advises slaves to seek freedom if possible, but emphasizes that both the slave and the free person are equally "the Lord's freedman" or "Christ's slave," respectively, highlighting a spiritual reorientation of status.
Beyond social status, ἐλεύθερος signifies exemption from obligation. In [[Matthew 17:26]], Jesus uses the term to illustrate that "the sons are free" from paying the temple tax, drawing an analogy to earthly kings whose sons are exempt from tribute. This demonstrates a specific application of freedom as exemption from a particular duty.
The most profound uses of ἐλεύθερος, however, lie in its theological application to spiritual freedom. Jesus declares in [[John 8:36]], "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Here, the freedom is from the bondage of sin, contrasting sharply with the earlier statement that "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin" ([[John 8:34]]). Paul further develops this concept, asserting that believers have been "freed from sin" ([[Romans 6:18]], [[Romans 6:22]]) and are no longer "under the law" but "under grace" ([[Romans 6:14]]). This liberation from the condemning power of the Mosaic Law is a central theme in Galatians, where Paul exhorts believers to "stand firm therefore in the freedom with which Christ has set us free, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" ([[Galatians 5:1]]). This spiritual freedom encompasses liberation from the dominion of sin, the curse of the Law, and the power of death ([[Romans 8:2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἐλεύθερος is enriched by its relationship with several cognate and antithetical terms.
The most direct cognates are:
* **ἐλευθερία (eleutheria)** `{{G1657}}`: The noun form, meaning "liberty" or "freedom." It often refers to the state or condition of being free, as seen in passages like [[James 1:25]] ("the law of liberty") or [[Galatians 5:13]] ("you were called to freedom").
* **ἐλευθερόω (eleutheroo)** `{{G1659}}`: The verb form, meaning "to set free" or "to liberate." This verb describes the action by which freedom is conferred, most notably by Christ ([[John 8:32]], [[John 8:36]], [[Romans 8:2]]).
The primary antonym to ἐλεύθερος is **δοῦλος (doulos)** `{{G1401}}`, meaning "slave" or "bondservant." This stark contrast is fundamental to understanding the nature of freedom, as one is defined by the absence of the other. The New Testament frequently juxtaposes these terms to highlight the radical shift in status experienced by believers—from being slaves to sin or the Law to being free in Christ.
Other related concepts include:
* **Υἱοθεσία (huiothesia)** `{{G5206}}`: "Adoption as sons." This concept implies a free status, as adopted children are full heirs and not slaves.
* **Λύτρωσις (lytrosis)** `{{G3085}}`: "Redemption" or "deliverance." This speaks to the act of being set free through a ransom or payment, which is intrinsically linked to the freedom conveyed by ἐλεύθερος.
* The concepts of **νόμος (nomos)** `{{G3551}}` (Law) and **ἁμαρτία (hamartia)** `{{G266}}` (sin) are often presented as forces from which one is freed, while **χάρις (charis)** `{{G5485}}` (grace) is the divine means by which this freedom is granted.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐλεύθερος is profound, serving as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of salvation and the Christian life. At its core, the word points to the radical liberation accomplished by Jesus Christ.
1. **Freedom from Sin's Dominion:** The most critical aspect of Christian freedom is liberation from the power and condemnation of sin. As [[John 8:36]] declares, only the Son can grant true freedom from spiritual slavery. This is not merely forgiveness of past sins but a release from the ongoing compulsion to sin, enabling a new life of righteousness ([[Romans 6:18-22]]).
2. **Freedom from the Law's Curse:** For Paul, a central aspect of Christian freedom is being "free from the law" ([[Romans 7:6]], [[Galatians 5:1]]). This does not mean freedom to disregard God's moral will, but freedom from the Law as a system of merited righteousness and its condemnation for failure. Believers are no longer under the Law's curse but under grace, fulfilling the Law's righteous requirements through the Spirit ([[Romans 8:4]]).
3. **Freedom from Death:** In Christ, believers are also liberated from the ultimate consequence of sin, which is spiritual and eternal death ([[Romans 8:2]]). The resurrection of Christ assures believers of their own future resurrection and victory over death.
4. **Freedom for Service:** Crucially, Christian freedom is not an end in itself, nor is it freedom *to* sin. Rather, it is freedom *from* sin *for* righteous service. [[Galatians 5:13]] warns against using freedom as "an opportunity for the flesh," but rather to "serve one another through love." True freedom in Christ leads to voluntary submission to God and loving service to others, reflecting the very nature of Christ, who, though free, took the form of a servant. This paradox underscores that ultimate freedom is found in alignment with God's will.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros) signifies a state of being "unrestrained" or "at liberty." Its semantic range extends from the literal social status of being "not a slave" to the figurative sense of being "exempt from obligation." In the New Testament, while acknowledging its social dimension, the word takes on profound theological significance, primarily denoting the spiritual freedom accomplished by Jesus Christ. This freedom liberates believers from the dominion of sin, the condemnation of the Mosaic Law, and the power of death. This liberation, however, is not license for self-indulgence but an empowerment for loving service to God and others. Ultimately, ἐλεύθερος encapsulates the glorious new status of the believer in Christ: truly free, not for lawlessness, but for righteous living and devoted service, having been set free by the Son Himself.
TRV