from λυτρόω; a ransoming (figuratively):--+ redeemed, redemption.
Transliteration:lýtrōsis
Pronunciation:loo'-tro-sis
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun λύτρωσις (G3085), transliterated as *lytrōsis*, denotes the act or result of ransoming or redeeming. It is derived from the verb λυτρόω (G3084), meaning "to release by payment of a ransom," which itself stems from λύτρον (G3083), signifying "a ransom price." At its core, λύτρωσις encapsulates the concept of liberation from bondage, slavery, or debt through the payment of a specific price. This price is not merely a symbolic gesture but a substantive cost, leading to actual freedom. The semantic range thus includes deliverance, emancipation, and the securing of freedom through a redemptive act. In a theological context, it points to a divine intervention that liberates from the dominion of sin and death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λύτρωσις appears only three times in the New Testament, yet each instance carries profound significance:
1. **[[Luke 1:68]]**: In Zechariah's prophecy, he blesses God, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and accomplished λύτρωσις for His people." Here, λύτρωσις refers to God's promised redemptive act for the nation of Israel, anticipated through the coming Messiah. It speaks of a divine visitation that will bring about deliverance, echoing Old Testament themes of God's liberation of His people from oppression (e.g., the Exodus). The context is one of national hope and the fulfillment of covenant promises.
2. **[[Luke 2:38]]**: Anna, the prophetess, "coming in that instant, gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for λύτρωσις in Jerusalem." Similar to Zechariah's prophecy, Anna's words reflect a widespread messianic expectation among devout Jews. They awaited a redemptive figure who would bring about the deliverance and restoration of Jerusalem and Israel. In both Luke's occurrences, λύτρωσις is tied to the advent of the Messiah and the eschatological hope of Israel's salvation.
3. **[[Hebrews 9:12]]**: This verse presents the most explicit theological application of λύτρωσις in the New Testament. Speaking of Christ's High Priestly work, the author states, "not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal λύτρωσις." Here, the term is directly linked to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It highlights the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Covenant animal sacrifices. The λύτρωσις He secured is "eternal," signifying its complete, permanent, and ultimate efficacy in contrast to the temporary nature of the Mosaic Law's provisions. This verse clearly defines the nature of Christian redemption: it is achieved through Christ's shed blood, it is definitive ("once for all"), and its effects are everlasting.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding λύτρωσις is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and theological counterparts:
* **λυτρόω (G3084)**: The verb from which λύτρωσις is derived, meaning "to redeem" or "to ransom." It describes the *action* of setting free by payment.
* **λύτρον (G3083)**: The noun referring to the "ransom price" itself. This word underscores the cost involved in achieving liberation. Jesus explicitly states He came "to give His life a λύτρον for many" ([[Matthew 20:28]]).
* **ἀπολύτρωσις (G629)**: This is another significant Greek term for "redemption," appearing more frequently in the New Testament (e.g., [[Romans 3:24]], [[Ephesians 1:7]]). While λύτρωσις emphasizes the act or result of ransoming, ἀπολύτρωσις often highlights the *fullness* or *completion* of the release, particularly from the penalty and power of sin. Both terms convey the idea of liberation through a price, but ἀπολύτρωσις might stress the *deliverance from* something (e.g., sin, wrath, corruption), while λύτρωσις focuses on the *act of securing* that freedom.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept of redemption is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Hebrew terms like פָּדָה (padah, `{{H6299}}`, "to ransom, redeem") and גָּאַל (ga'al, `{{H1350}}`, "to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer") lay the groundwork. פָּדָה often refers to redemption from slavery or danger, while גָּאַל carries the nuance of a family member's obligation to redeem property, a person, or avenge blood. The Septuagint frequently uses λυτρόω and λύτρωσις to translate these Hebrew concepts, linking the New Testament understanding to the long history of God's redemptive acts for Israel.
* **Theological Concepts**: λύτρωσις is closely interwoven with concepts such as atonement, sacrifice, propitiation, forgiveness, liberation, and reconciliation. All these terms describe facets of God's saving work through Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λύτρωσις is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Initiative and Costly Grace**: The redemption signified by λύτρωσις is not something humanity earns or achieves on its own. It is a gracious act initiated by God ([[Luke 1:68]]). Yet, this grace is not cheap; it comes at an immense cost – the precious blood of Jesus Christ ([[Hebrews 9:12]]). This underscores the gravity of sin and the magnitude of God's love in providing such a sacrifice.
2. **Centrality of Christ's Atoning Work**: λύτρωσις points directly to the salvific work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Redeemer. His death on the cross serves as the λύτρον (ransom price), providing the means for humanity's liberation from the bondage of sin, the curse of the law, and the power of death. The "eternal λύτρωσις" secured by His blood means that His redemptive act is utterly sufficient, never needing repetition.
3. **From National Hope to Spiritual Reality**: While the initial uses in Luke reflect Israel's expectation of national deliverance, [[Hebrews 9:12]] elevates λύτρωσις to a spiritual and eternal reality. The redemption achieved by Christ transcends geopolitical liberation, offering freedom from spiritual enslavement and eternal condemnation. It fulfills the Old Testament promises in a far grander, more comprehensive way than anticipated.
4. **Foundation of Salvation**: λύτρωσις is a foundational aspect of Christian salvation. It signifies that believers have been bought back, set free from their former state of alienation from God, and brought into a new relationship of reconciliation and adoption through the redemptive work of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word λύτρωσις (G3085) denotes the act or result of ransoming or redeeming, signifying liberation through a paid price. Though appearing only three times in the New Testament, its usage is exceptionally rich. In Luke's Gospel, it reflects the messianic expectation of Israel's deliverance. In [[Hebrews 9:12]], it reaches its theological apex, unequivocally linking Christ's shed blood to the attainment of "eternal λύτρωσις." This term emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation, the costly nature of grace through Christ's atoning sacrifice, and the permanent liberation from sin and death secured for all who believe. λύτρωσις thus stands as a powerful testament to the redemptive work of God in Jesus Christ, establishing the bedrock of Christian hope and salvation.
TRV