English · KJV
G3084

λυτρόω

lytróō /loo-tro'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom λύτρον
Meaningto ransom (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageredeem.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of lytróō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word lytróō, represented by G3084, means to ransom or redeem, both literally and figuratively. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term focuses on the act of securing a release by paying a price.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3084 is used to describe deliverance. In the disciples' view, they had trusted that Jesus was the one who should have redeemed Israel, indicating an expectation of national deliverance Luke 24:21. The term also describes a spiritual deliverance, where Christ gave himself to redeem believers from all iniquity Titus 2:14. This redemption is contrasted with a worldly transaction, emphasizing that believers were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, but from a vain way of life 1 Peter 1:18.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of redemption:

  • G1325 dídōmi (to give): This action is presented as the basis for redemption, as Christ gave himself in order to redeem us Titus 2:14.
  • G2511 katharízō (to cleanse): This is shown as a direct result of redemption; we are redeemed from iniquity and then purified as a people for God Titus 2:14.
  • G3195 méllō (to intend, i.e. be about to be): This word frames the disciples' hope, indicating that Jesus was the one who should have redeemed Israel, expressing their expectation of what was to come Luke 24:21.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3084 is significant, focusing on the nature and purpose of Christ's work.

  • The Price of Redemption: The act of redemption required a payment. Christ gave himself for us Titus 2:14. This price is explicitly contrasted with perishable things like silver and gold, highlighting its supreme value 1 Peter 1:18.
  • The Purpose of Redemption: The goal is freedom from "all iniquity" Titus 2:14 and from the "vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers" 1 Peter 1:18.
  • The Object of Redemption: While the disciples initially hoped for a redemption of Israel Luke 24:21, the epistles clarify the object is believers, who are redeemed to become a "peculiar people, zealous of good works" Titus 2:14.

Summary

In summary, G3084 defines the crucial act of being ransomed. It is a cornerstone of biblical theology, defining the method of our deliverance—Christ giving himself—and its outcome—freedom from both sin and worthless traditions. It illustrates how the concept of redemption moves from an earthly hope for a nation Luke 24:21 to the spiritual reality of being ransomed by an incorruptible price for a holy purpose (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 1:18).

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Aorist Middle Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Infinitive 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G1325 δίδωμι a prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternative in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide G2511 καθαρίζω from καθαρός; to cleanse (literally or figuratively):--(make) clean(-se), purge, purify. G3195 μέλλω a strengthened form of μέλω (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke, Titus, and 1 Peter (1 verse each); never once in the other 24.

1
Luke
1
Titus
1
1 Peter

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.