from λύω; something to loosen with, i.e. a redemption price (figuratively, atonement):--ransom.
Transliteration:lýtron
Pronunciation:loo'-tron
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun λύτρον (lytron, `{{G3083}}`) is derived from the verb λύω (lyō), which means "to loose, untie, release, or set free." This etymological root is crucial for grasping the word's fundamental meaning. λύτρον (lytron) therefore signifies "something to loosen with," implying a means or payment by which a person or thing is released from bondage, captivity, obligation, or penalty. Its semantic range encompasses the concepts of a "ransom," a "redemption price," or a "price of release." The term inherently points to liberation achieved through a compensatory payment, and in its theological application, it extends to the idea of atonement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, λύτρον (lytron) appears only twice, both times in the Synoptic Gospels, in parallel and highly significant statements made by Jesus Himself:
* [[Matthew 20:28]]: "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a *ransom* for many."
* [[Mark 10:45]]: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a *ransom* for many."
In these pivotal passages, Jesus defines the very purpose of His incarnation and impending death. He declares that His life is to be given λύτρον (lytron) – a ransom – for "many." This statement is foundational to Christian understanding of the atonement. The context is one of service and self-sacrifice, contrasting earthly notions of power and authority with the divine model of humble service culminating in the ultimate act of giving. The "many" are those held captive by sin, death, and the dominion of evil, for whom Jesus' life serves as the necessary price of liberation. This implies a substitutionary act, where His life is offered in place of others to secure their freedom.
The Septuagint (LXX) often uses λύτρον (lytron) to translate various Hebrew terms, such as `{{H6299}}` (kofer, "ransom, bribe, atonement"), `{{H1598}}` (go'el, "redeemer"), or `{{H6306}}` (pidyon, "ransom, redemption price"). Examples include [[Exodus 21:30]] (ransom for a life), [[Exodus 30:12]] (atonement money for the census), and [[Numbers 35:31-32]] (ransom for a murderer or one who flees to a city of refuge). This Old Testament background firmly establishes λύτρον (lytron) within the theological framework of a compensatory payment for release or atonement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of redemption, central to λύτρον (lytron), is reinforced and expanded by several related Greek terms:
* **Verbs of Redemption:**
* λυτρόω (lytroō, `{{G3084}}`): The verb form of λύτρον (lytron), meaning "to redeem, to ransom, to set free." It appears in [[Titus 2:14]] ("who gave Himself for us to *redeem* us from every lawless deed") and [[1 Peter 1:18]] ("you were not *redeemed* with perishable things").
* ἀπολυτρόω (apolytroō, `{{G629}}`): A compound verb meaning "to redeem, to set free by payment of a ransom." This emphasizes the act of release from something.
* **Nouns of Redemption:**
* λύτρωσις (lytrōsis, `{{G3085}}`): The act of redemption, liberation, or deliverance. Found in [[Luke 1:68]] ("He has visited us and accomplished *redemption* for His people") and [[Hebrews 9:12]] ("He entered once for all into the holy place, not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, having obtained eternal *redemption*").
* ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrosis, `{{G629}}`): The more frequently used noun for "redemption" or "deliverance." It appears extensively, such as in [[Romans 3:24]] ("justified as a gift by His grace through the *redemption* which is in Christ Jesus"), [[Ephesians 1:7]] ("In Him we have *redemption* through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses"), and [[Colossians 1:14]] ("in whom we have *redemption*, the forgiveness of sins").
* **Other Related Terms:**
* τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`): "price" or "value," often used in the context of being "bought with a price" ([[1 Corinthians 6:20]], [[1 Corinthians 7:23]]).
* ἀγοράζω (agorazō, `{{G59}}`): "to buy," often depicting believers being purchased from the "market" of sin or slavery ([[Revelation 5:9]]).
* ἱλαστήριον (hilastērion, `{{G2435}}`): "propitiation" or "atoning sacrifice," linking the concept of ransom to the means of appeasing divine wrath and providing a place of mercy ([[Romans 3:25]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λύτρον (lytron) is profound and foundational to Christian doctrine:
* **Substitutionary Atonement:** The most direct implication of Jesus giving His life as a λύτρον (lytron) "for many" is the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. It clearly asserts that Jesus' death was not merely an example or a moral influence, but a vicarious payment made on behalf of humanity. He bore the penalty and secured the release that humanity, enslaved by sin, could not achieve for itself.
* **Divine Initiative and Love:** The provision of the λύτρον (lytron) originates with God. It is not humanity earning its freedom, but God, in His infinite love and mercy, providing the means of liberation through His Son. This highlights God's active and gracious role in salvation ([[John 3:16]]).
* **Freedom from Bondage:** The λύτρον (lytron) secures genuine freedom from the spiritual slavery of sin, the condemnation of the Law, and the power of death. This liberation is not cheap; it comes at the ultimate cost of the Son of God's life.
* **The Uniqueness and Efficacy of Christ's Sacrifice:** The fact that Jesus' own life served as the λύτρον (lytron) underscores the unparalleled value and efficacy of His sacrifice. No other offering, human or animal, could provide the sufficient payment required for the redemption of humanity. It speaks to the infinite worth of Christ's person and His singular work on the cross.
* **Foundation of Soteriology:** The concept of λύτρον (lytron) is a cornerstone of Christian soteriology (the doctrine of salvation), explaining *how* salvation is accomplished – through a divine payment that effectively sets captives free and reconciles them to God.
### Summary
The Greek word λύτρον (lytron, `{{G3083}}`), meaning "ransom" or "redemption price," is rooted in the concept of "loosening" or "setting free" by means of a payment. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament ([[Matthew 20:28]], [[Mark 10:45]]), these occurrences are profoundly significant, as Jesus Himself declares that He came to give His life *as* this λύτρον (lytron) for many. This declaration establishes the core of substitutionary atonement, where Christ's life is the ultimate price paid to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death. λύτρον (lytron) is intimately connected to a family of redemption-related terms such as λυτρόω (lytroō, `{{G3084}}`) and ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrosis, `{{G629}}`), all pointing to a costly deliverance. Theologically, it underscores God's loving initiative in providing salvation, the absolute freedom secured for believers, and the unparalleled value of Christ's atoning sacrifice as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God.
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