### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sōtḗr**, represented by `{{G4990}}`, means **a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ:--saviour**. It appears **24 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. This title is profoundly significant, identifying the one who provides divine rescue and deliverance, a role attributed to both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4990}}` is used to identify the source of salvation. The title is applied to God, as in Mary's praise: "my spirit hath rejoiced in God my **Saviour**" [[Luke 1:47]]. It is also used to describe the **Saviour's** inherent kindness and love for humanity [[Titus 3:4]]. The term is most frequently applied to Jesus Christ, from the angelic announcement of his birth [[Luke 2:11]] to the apostolic testimony that the Father sent the Son to be the "**Saviour** of the world" [[1 John 4:14]]. His role extends to being the "**saviour** of the body," the church [[Ephesians 5:23]], and He was exalted by God to give "repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" [[Acts 5:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and work of the **Saviour**:
* `{{G747}}` **archēgós** (a chief leader): This term is used in conjunction with **sōtḗr** to describe Jesus's exalted status. God raised Him to be a **Prince** and a **Saviour** [[Acts 5:31]], highlighting both His authority and His deliverance.
* `{{G2015}}` **epipháneia** (a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ): The work of the **Saviour** is revealed through His **appearing**. His first advent made salvation manifest [[2 Timothy 1:10]], and believers now await the glorious **appearing** of our God and **Saviour** [[Titus 2:13]].
* `{{G2222}}` **zōḗ** (life): A primary result of the **Saviour's** work is the gift of **life**. Our **Saviour** Jesus Christ "hath abolished death, and hath brought **life** and immortality to light through the gospel" [[2 Timothy 1:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4990}}` is foundational to Christian doctrine, establishing key truths about God's nature and plan.
* **A Shared Divine Title:** The title **Saviour** is uniquely applied to both God the Father [[1 Timothy 2:3]] and Jesus Christ [[2 Peter 2:20]]. Some passages even link them under this single identity, such as "God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our **Saviour**" [[Titus 1:4]], underscoring a unified purpose in salvation.
* **Source of Deliverance:** The **Saviour** is the agent of spiritual rescue. He is the one who gives "forgiveness of sins" [[Acts 5:31]] and through whose "appearing" death itself is "abolished" [[2 Timothy 1:10]]. This deliverance is for "all men, specially of those that believe" [[1 Timothy 4:10]].
* **The Believer's Hope:** The **Saviour** is the focus of the believer's future expectation. Christians are characterized as those who "look for the **Saviour**, the Lord Jesus Christ" from heaven [[Philippians 3:20]] and eagerly await the "everlasting kingdom of our Lord and **Saviour**" [[2 Peter 1:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4990}}` is far more than a simple title; it is a declaration of divine power and redemptive love. As **sōtḗr**, both God the Father and Jesus Christ are revealed as the definitive source of deliverance from sin and death. The term encapsulates the core of the gospel message: that a **Saviour** has been provided who brings life, offers forgiveness, and stands as the ultimate hope for all who trust in Him.
TRV