from ἐλεύθερος; to liberate, i.e. (figuratively) to exempt (from moral, ceremonial or mortal liability):--deliver, make free.
Transliteration:eleutheróō
Pronunciation:el-yoo-ther-o'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1659 (eleutheróō) is derived from the adjective G1658 (eleútheros), meaning "free" or "unrestrained." As a verb, G1659 signifies the active process of "making free" or "setting free." Its core meaning extends beyond mere absence of restraint to a positive act of liberation. Semantically, it encompasses various forms of freedom:
1. **Literal Liberation**: To release from physical bondage, slavery, or imprisonment, though this is less common in the New Testament's theological usage. An example is found in [[Romans 7:3]], where a woman is "released" (set free) from the law concerning her husband upon his death.
2. **Figurative Liberation**: This is the predominant usage in the New Testament, referring to exemption or deliverance from various forms of spiritual, moral, or existential liabilities. This includes freedom from:
* The power and dominion of sin.
* The condemnation and curse of the Law.
* The fear and ultimate power of death.
* Any form of spiritual slavery or obligation that binds one apart from Christ.
The term emphasizes an active, decisive intervention that transfers one from a state of bondage to a state of liberty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1659 appears 7 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and the Gospel of John, where its theological significance is profoundly developed.
* **John 8:32, 36**: Jesus declares, "and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" ([[John 8:32]]). He further clarifies, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([[John 8:36]]). Here, G1659 denotes liberation from the bondage of sin, particularly the spiritual blindness and moral slavery that result from unbelief. The agent of this freedom is both "the truth" (which is embodied in Christ) and "the Son" himself, highlighting the personal and divine nature of this emancipation.
* **Romans 6:18, 22**: Paul uses G1659 to describe the believer's radical change of allegiance: "and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness" ([[Romans 6:18]]). And again, "But now that you have been set free from sin and enslaved to God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life" ([[Romans 6:22]]). These verses emphasize that liberation from sin's dominion is not a license for lawlessness but a transfer to a new, willing servitude to God and righteousness. The freedom is *from* a master (sin) *to* a new Master (God).
* **Romans 8:2**: "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death" ([[Romans 8:2]]). This is a pivotal declaration. Here, the "law of the Spirit of life" (the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit) is the agent that liberates believers from the binding power and condemnation of "the law of sin and death." This freedom is specifically "in Christ Jesus," underscoring the means by which this liberation is achieved.
* **Galatians 5:1**: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" ([[Galatians 5:1]]). In Galatians, G1659 is used in the context of freedom from the Mosaic Law as a means of justification. Christ's work has liberated believers from the obligation to seek righteousness through legalistic observance, which Paul views as a "yoke of slavery." This freedom empowers believers to live by the Spirit, not by works of the Law.
* **Romans 7:3**: As noted above, this verse presents a more literal use, describing a woman "released" from the law concerning her husband upon his death. While literal, it still conveys the idea of being freed from a binding legal obligation.
Across these contexts, G1659 consistently points to a profound, transformative act of liberation, primarily spiritual, effected by divine power (the Son, the Spirit) for the purpose of a new life of righteousness and service to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G1659 is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key biblical terms:
* **G1658 (eleútheros)**: The root adjective, meaning "free." G1659 is the active verb form of this state.
* **G1657 (eleuthería)**: The noun, meaning "freedom" or "liberty." G1659 is the action that brings about G1657.
* **G1401 (doúlos)**: "Slave" or "bond-servant." This is the direct antithesis of one who is G1659-ed. The New Testament often presents a stark choice between being a G1401 of sin or a G1401 of God/righteousness, having been G1659-ed from the former.
* **G266 (hamartía)**: "Sin." This is the primary oppressive power from which believers are G1659-ed.
* **G3551 (nómos)**: "Law." In certain contexts (e.g., Galatians, Romans), believers are G1659-ed from the Law's condemnation or its role as a system for achieving righteousness.
* **G629 (apolýtrōsis)**: "Redemption" or "deliverance through payment of a ransom." While G1659 focuses on the act of setting free, G629 emphasizes the *cost* or *means* by which that freedom is secured (i.e., Christ's atoning sacrifice). The two concepts are deeply intertwined in the economy of salvation.
* **G1344 (dikaioō)**: "To justify" or "declare righteous." Justification is the legal declaration that removes condemnation, thereby enabling the practical experience of being G1659-ed from sin's power.
### Theological Significance
The concept of being "set free" (eleutheróō) is foundational to New Testament theology, particularly Paul's understanding of salvation and the Christian life.
1. **Divine Initiative**: G1659 consistently portrays freedom as a divine act, not a human achievement. It is God, through Christ and by the Spirit, who liberates humanity from spiritual bondage. This underscores God's sovereign grace and power in salvation.
2. **Radical Emancipation from Sin**: The most profound theological implication of G1659 is the believer's liberation from the dominion and power of sin. This is not merely forgiveness of past sins, but a breaking of sin's enslaving grip, enabling a new life of obedience and holiness (Romans 6). It speaks to the believer's new identity as one no longer under sin's control.
3. **Freedom from the Law's Condemnation**: For Paul, the Law, though holy and good, could not provide life or righteousness; it only highlighted sin and brought condemnation. Christ's work G1659-s believers from the Law's curse and its inability to justify, ushering them into a new covenant relationship based on grace through faith (Galatians 5; Romans 8). This freedom does not negate the Law's moral principles but fulfills them through the Spirit's power.
4. **Freedom for Service**: The freedom wrought by Christ is not an end in itself, nor is it a license for self-indulgence (Galatians 5:13). Instead, it is a freedom *for* a new allegiance and purpose: to serve God, to live righteously, and to love one's neighbor. This paradox of freedom leading to willing servitude is a hallmark of Christian liberty.
5. **New Covenant Reality**: G1659 encapsulates a core aspect of the New Covenant, where the Spirit writes God's law on hearts, enabling true obedience and liberation from the external constraints and condemnation of the old order.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1659 (eleutheróō) signifies the act of "making free" or "setting free." While it can denote literal release, its primary New Testament usage is theological, describing a profound spiritual liberation. This divinely-wrought freedom, accomplished through Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit, emancipates believers from the enslaving power of sin, the condemnation of the Law, and the ultimate dominion of death. This liberation is not a license for autonomy but a transfer of allegiance, enabling believers to live a new life of willing service to God and righteousness. As such, G1659 is a cornerstone concept for understanding the transformative nature of Christian salvation and the radical shift in identity and purpose experienced by those "set free" in Christ.
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