from a primary (contraction for obsolete , "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4982}}` (sōzō) carries a rich and multifaceted semantic range, fundamentally meaning "to save." Derived from a root signifying "safety" or "wholeness," its core denotes deliverance from danger, harm, or destruction. This deliverance can manifest in various forms:
* **Physical Preservation:** It refers to rescue from physical peril, such as drowning ([[Matthew 14:30]]), shipwreck ([[Acts 27:20]]), or death ([[Hebrews 5:7]]). It also encompasses physical healing, restoring one to health and wholeness from illness or affliction ([[Matthew 9:21-22]], [[Luke 8:50]]). In this sense, it means "to make well" or "to restore."
* **Spiritual Salvation:** Most prominently in the New Testament, `{{G4982}}` signifies spiritual deliverance from sin, its consequences (death and judgment), and the wrath of God. This is the profound act of God's grace by which humanity is reconciled to Him through faith in Jesus Christ ([[Ephesians 2:8]]).
* **Preservation/Protection:** It can also convey the idea of keeping safe, preserving, or protecting from future harm or loss ([[1 Timothy 4:16]]).
* **Doing Well/Prospering:** In some contexts, it can imply success or well-being, though this is less common than the primary meanings of deliverance and healing.
The breadth of `{{G4982}}` thus spans from immediate physical rescue and restoration to the eternal spiritual redemption offered by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G4982}}` occurs over 100 times in the New Testament, reflecting its central importance to the Christian message. Its usage reveals various layers of meaning depending on the context:
* **In the Synoptic Gospels:** `{{G4982}}` is frequently used to describe Jesus' acts of physical healing and deliverance. For instance, the woman with the hemorrhage is told, "Your faith has made you well [sōzō]" ([[Matthew 9:22]], [[Mark 5:34]], [[Luke 8:48]]). Similarly, when Peter begins to sink, he cries out, "Lord, save [sōzō] me!" ([[Matthew 14:30]]). These physical salvations often serve as tangible demonstrations of Jesus' power and foreshadow His greater spiritual saving work. The angel's instruction to Joseph regarding Jesus' name highlights this: "You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save [sōzō] his people from their sins" ([[Matthew 1:21]]). This verse explicitly links Jesus' mission to spiritual salvation.
* **In the Book of Acts:** `{{G4982}}` continues to denote both physical rescue (e.g., Paul and those with him being saved from shipwreck in [[Acts 27:31]]) and, more frequently, spiritual conversion and deliverance. Peter's sermon on Pentecost urges the crowd to "save [sōzō] yourselves from this corrupt generation" ([[Acts 2:40]]). The Philippian jailer's question, "What must I do to be saved [sōzō]?" ([[Acts 16:30]]), elicits the quintessential Gospel answer: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved [sōzō], you and your household" ([[Acts 16:31]]).
* **In the Epistles:** Paul and other New Testament writers extensively employ `{{G4982}}` to articulate the doctrine of spiritual salvation. It is consistently presented as a gracious act of God, received through faith in Christ ([[Ephesians 2:5]], [[Ephesians 2:8]]). The emphasis shifts from the *means* of salvation (faith) to its *source* (God's grace) and its *object* (deliverance from sin and wrath). [[Romans 10:9-10]] famously links confession and belief to being "saved [sōzō]." [[1 Timothy 2:4]] expresses God's desire for "all people to be saved [sōzō] and to come to a knowledge of the truth." The future aspect of salvation is also present, as believers are "being saved" (present tense, [[1 Corinthians 1:18]]) and "will be saved" (future tense, [[Romans 5:9]]) from future judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G4982}}` is enriched by examining its linguistic family and theological correlates:
* **Cognates:**
* `{{G4991}}` (sōtēria): The noun form, meaning "salvation," "deliverance," or "welfare." It encapsulates the state or act of being saved (e.g., [[Luke 1:77]], [[Romans 1:16]]).
* `{{G4990}}` (sōtēr): The noun for "savior" or "deliverer." This title is preeminently applied to God and, most notably, to Jesus Christ ([[Luke 2:11]], [[Titus 2:13]]).
* `{{G4992}}` (sōtērion): An adjective meaning "saving" or "bringing salvation," often used substantively as "salvation" or "means of salvation" ([[Luke 2:30]], [[Acts 28:28]]).
* **Related Verbs/Concepts:**
* `{{G4506}}` (rhyomai): "to rescue," "to deliver from danger or evil." Often used interchangeably with `{{G4982}}` in contexts of deliverance.
* `{{G1291}}` (diasōzō): "to save through," implying a successful passage through danger.
* `{{G629}}` (apolytrōsis): "redemption," emphasizing deliverance through a payment or ransom.
* `{{G1344}}` (dikaiosynē) / `{{G1345}}` (dikaioō): "righteousness" / "to justify," which describes the legal declaration of being righteous before God, a key aspect of salvation.
* `{{G5485}}` (charis): "grace," the unmerited favor of God that is the source of salvation.
* `{{G4102}}` (pistis): "faith," the means by which salvation is apprehended.
Understanding these related terms provides a more complete picture of the comprehensive nature of God's saving work.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4982}}` (sōzō) is paramount, as it encapsulates the very essence of the Gospel message.
* **Divine Initiative:** Salvation, in its fullest spiritual sense, is not a human achievement but a divine act. God, in His sovereign love and mercy, initiates the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ ([[John 3:16]], [[Romans 5:8]]). Humanity, being spiritually dead in sin, is incapable of saving itself ([[Ephesians 2:1-3]]).
* **Grace Through Faith:** The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith ([[Ephesians 2:8-9]]). It is a free gift of God, not earned by human works, lest anyone should boast. Faith is the instrument through which this gift is received.
* **Holistic Deliverance:** While `{{G4982}}` often refers to spiritual salvation from sin's penalty, its broader semantic range points to a holistic deliverance. This includes:
* **Justification (Past):** Saved from the penalty of sin through Christ's atoning death ([[Romans 5:9]]).
* **Sanctification (Present):** Being saved from the power of sin through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit ([[Philippians 2:12-13]]).
* **Glorification (Future):** Will be saved from the presence of sin and death in the eschatological consummation of God's plan ([[Romans 13:11]], [[Hebrews 9:28]]).
* **Redemptive Purpose:** The ultimate purpose of God's saving work is to reconcile fallen humanity to Himself, restore fellowship, and bring glory to His name. It is a testament to His righteousness, love, and power. The physical healings performed by Jesus and the apostles were often signs pointing to this greater spiritual reality and demonstrating God's compassion and power to restore all things.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G4982}}` (sōzō) is a foundational term in the New Testament, encompassing the broad concept of "to save," "to deliver," or "to make whole." While it can refer to physical preservation and healing, its most profound and prevalent usage is in the context of spiritual salvation – God's gracious act of delivering humanity from the dominion and consequences of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. This salvation is a divine initiative, received by grace through faith, and encompasses a past justification, a present sanctification, and a future glorification. As such, `{{G4982}}` stands as a powerful testament to the comprehensive and redemptive work of God in the lives of His people.
TRV