middle voice of an obsolete verb, akin to ῥέω (through the idea of a current; compare ῥύσις); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue:--deliver(-er).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **rhýomai**, represented by `{{G4506}}`, means to rescue or **deliver**. It appears **19 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition, derived from the idea of a current, suggests a forceful action of rushing to draw someone to safety, highlighting a proactive and personal rescue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4506}}` is used to describe God's intervention in various circumstances. It is a central plea in the Lord's Prayer, asking God to "**deliver** us from evil" [[Matthew 6:13]]. The term describes a profound spiritual rescue, as seen in the statement that God has "**delivered** us from the power of darkness" [[Colossians 1:13]]. It also applies to physical and circumstantial peril, as when Paul recounts that "out of them all the Lord **delivered** me" from persecutions [[2 Timothy 3:11]] and that he "was **delivered** out of the mouth of the lion" [[2 Timothy 4:17]]. In a prophetic context, it identifies Christ as the "**Deliverer**" who would come from Sion [[Romans 11:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of divine deliverance:
* `{{G4982}}` **sṓzō** (to save, i.e. deliver or protect): This term often appears alongside `{{G4506}}`, highlighting a comprehensive act of salvation. For example, the Lord will **deliver** Paul from evil and **preserve** him for His heavenly kingdom [[2 Timothy 4:18]].
* `{{G3179}}` **methístēmi** (to transfer, i.e. carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce): This shows that deliverance is not just a rescue from something, but a relocation to somewhere else. Believers are **delivered** from darkness and **translated** into the kingdom of God's Son [[Colossians 1:13]].
* `{{G1743}}` **endynamóō** (to empower): This word connects God's deliverance with His enabling power. Paul states that the Lord stood with him and **strengthened** him, which led to his being **delivered** from the lion's mouth [[2 Timothy 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4506}}` is significant, revealing key aspects of God's relationship with humanity.
* **A Continuous Divine Action:** Deliverance is not a one-time event. God is presented as the one "Who **delivered** us from so great a death, and doth **deliver**: in whom we trust that he will yet **deliver** us" [[2 Corinthians 1:10]]. This establishes a pattern of past, present, and future rescue.
* **Rescue from Specific Perils:** The term is used to describe rescue from a range of threats, including spiritual bondage ("the power of darkness" in [[Colossians 1:13]]), personal trials ("temptations" in [[2 Peter 2:9]]), mortal danger ("the mouth of the lion" in [[2 Timothy 4:17]]), and the internal struggle with sin ("the body of this death" in [[Romans 7:24]]).
* **The Foundation of Hope and Service:** Being **delivered** from enemies enables believers to "serve him without fear" [[Luke 1:74]]. This act of rescue is the basis for confident trust that God knows how to **deliver** the godly [[2 Peter 2:9]] and will **deliver** His people from every evil work [[2 Timothy 4:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4506}}` defines more than a simple escape. It portrays an active and powerful divine rescue, a drawing away from imminent peril. From deliverance from the "power of darkness" [[Colossians 1:13]] to the plea for rescue from "evil" [[Matthew 6:13]], the word frames God as the ultimate Deliverer. It establishes a foundation for the believer's security, trust, and service, rooted in the certainty that God is both willing and able to rescue His people.
TRV