### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lýō**, represented by `{{G3089}}`, is a primary verb meaning to **"loosen"** in a literal or figurative sense. It appears 46 times across 40 unique verses in the Bible, and its translations include break up, destroy, dissolve, unloose, melt, and put off. This range demonstrates its versatility in describing actions of release, annulment, and deconstruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3089}}` is applied in various significant contexts. It is used for simple physical actions, such as **unloosing** the latchet of a shoe [[Luke 3:16]], **loosing** a colt from its tether [[Matthew 21:2]], or releasing Lazarus from his graveclothes [[John 11:44]]. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of annulling or breaking a law, as when Jesus was accused of having **broken** the sabbath [[John 5:18]]. It is also used to signify destruction, as in the Son of God being manifested to **destroy** the works of the devil [[1 John 3:8]]. The term further carries eschatological weight, describing how the elements will **melt** and the heavens will be **dissolved** on the day of the Lord [[2 Peter 3:10-12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{G3089}}`:
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (a primary verb; to bind): This word is the direct antonym of `lýō` and is often used in contrast to it, most notably in the giving of authority to **bind** and **loose** [[Matthew 16:19]].
* `{{G3080}}` **lýsis** (a loosening, i.e. (specially), divorce): As the noun form, it is used in the context of being **loosed** from a wife [[1 Corinthians 7:27]].
* `{{G450}}` **anístēmi** (to stand up, arise, raise up): This word is linked to resurrection, as God **raised up** Jesus, having **loosed** the pains of death [[Acts 2:24]].
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken, i.e. rouse): This verb complements `lýō` in Jesus' statement, "**Destroy** this temple, and in three days I will **raise** it up" [[John 2:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G3089}}` is profound, touching on core doctrines of authority, salvation, and judgment.
* **Divine Authority:** The authority to **loose** on earth what is loosed in heaven represents a delegation of divine power and discernment to the church ([[Matthew 16:19]], [[Matthew 18:18]]).
* **Christ's Redemptive Work:** The verb describes key aspects of Christ's mission. He came to **destroy** the devil's works [[1 John 3:8]] and **break down** the "middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile [[Ephesians 2:14]]. His own resurrection is framed as God having **loosed** Him from the pains of death [[Acts 2:24]].
* **The Inviolability of Scripture:** While human traditions and even the Sabbath can be "broken" (`lýō`), the word is used to affirm that "the scripture cannot be **broken**" [[John 10:35]], establishing its divine authority.
* **Cosmic Dissolution:** In an eschatological sense, `lýō` signifies the ultimate undoing of the present world order, when the heavens will be **dissolved** and the elements will **melt** with fervent heat [[2 Peter 3:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3089}}` moves far beyond its simple definition of "to loosen." It is a dynamic and theologically rich word that encompasses releasing from physical bonds, annulling laws, destroying spiritual strongholds, and the final dissolution of the cosmos. From unbinding a person [[Luke 13:16]] to unsealing a divine scroll [[Revelation 5:5]], `lýō` illustrates concepts of freedom, power, and finality central to the biblical narrative.
TRV