### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb agorázō (`{{G59}}`) is derived from the noun agorá (`{{G58}}`), which refers to a marketplace or public square. Its primary, literal meaning is "to go to market." From this foundational sense, it naturally extends to "to buy" or "to purchase" something, implying a transaction where a price is paid. The semantic range of agorázō (`{{G59}}`) also encompasses a crucial specialized meaning: "to redeem" or "to buy back." This redemptive sense carries the profound nuance of acquiring someone or something out of a state of bondage, possession by another, or a perilous situation, typically through the payment of a ransom or price. It moves beyond mere commercial exchange to signify liberation and a change of ownership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Agorázō (`{{G59}}`) appears approximately 30 times in the New Testament, with its usage varying between the literal and theological senses.
* **Literal Purchase:** Many instances reflect the common act of buying goods or services. For example, the disciples are sent to agorázō (`{{G59}}`) food ([[Matthew 14:15]], [[Mark 6:36]], [[John 6:5]]). The foolish virgins in the parable go to agorázō (`{{G59}}`) oil ([[Matthew 25:9-10]]). Judas Iscariot agorázō (`{{G59}}`) a field with his ill-gotten gains ([[Acts 1:18]]). Jesus cleanses the temple of those who agorázō (`{{G59}}`) and sell ([[John 2:14-16]]). In a metaphorical sense, the church in Laodicea is urged to agorázō (`{{G59}}`) spiritual gold, white garments, and eye-salve ([[Revelation 3:18]]), indicating a spiritual acquisition of true riches.
* **Redemptive Purchase:** The more profound theological application of agorázō (`{{G59}}`) signifies redemption.
* **From the Curse of the Law:** Paul uses agorázō (`{{G59}}`) to describe Christ's act of setting believers free from the condemnation and curse of the law ([[Galatians 3:13]]). Here, Christ "bought us back" by enduring the curse Himself.
* **With a Price:** The concept of a definite price is explicitly linked to this redemption. Believers are told, "you were bought with a price" ([[1 Corinthians 6:20]], [[1 Corinthians 7:23]]). This "price" is understood to be the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
* **For God:** The redeemed are described as being "bought for God" by the blood of the Lamb ([[Revelation 5:9]]), signifying a change of ownership from sin and the world to God Himself.
* **As Firstfruits:** In the book of Revelation, a special group, the 144,000, are described as "purchased from the earth" and "from among mankind" as firstfruits to God and the Lamb ([[Revelation 14:3-4]]). This highlights their unique consecration and dedication.
The context invariably clarifies whether a mundane commercial transaction or the profound act of spiritual redemption is intended.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀγορά (agorá - `{{G58}}`):** The root noun meaning "marketplace," directly informing the commercial origin of agorázō (`{{G59}}`).
* **λυτρόω (lytróō - `{{G3084}}`):** To redeem, to ransom, to set free by paying a price. While agorázō (`{{G59}}`) can imply redemption, lytróō (`{{G3084}}`) more directly focuses on the act of liberation through ransom.
* **ἐξαγοράζω (exagorázō - `{{G1805}}`):** A compound verb meaning "to buy out" or "to redeem thoroughly." This word intensifies the concept of buying out of a situation, particularly from a state of bondage or from the curse of the law, as seen in [[Galatians 3:13]] and [[Galatians 4:5]]. It emphasizes a complete removal from a prior state.
* **τιμή (timē - `{{G5092}}`):** Price, value, honor. This noun is frequently associated with agorázō (`{{G59}}`) in the context of being "bought with a price," underscoring the immense cost of redemption.
* **αἷμα (haima - `{{G129}}`):** Blood. The ultimate "price" of redemption is consistently identified as the precious blood of Christ ([[Revelation 5:9]]), which sanctifies and cleanses.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of agorázō (`{{G59}}`), particularly in its redemptive sense, is immense.
* **The Cost of Salvation:** The term unequivocally declares that salvation is not a cheap grace or an earned reward, but a costly act of divine purchase. The repeated phrase "you were bought with a price" ([[1 Corinthians 6:20]], [[1 Corinthians 7:23]]) emphasizes that human redemption required the ultimate sacrifice—the very lifeblood of Jesus Christ ([[Revelation 5:9]]). This highlights the infinite value God places on humanity and the profound depth of His love and sacrifice.
* **Change of Ownership and Lordship:** The act of "buying" implies a transfer of ownership. Prior to redemption, humanity was enslaved to sin, under the dominion of darkness, and subject to the curse of the law. Through Christ's redemptive work, believers are "bought for God" ([[Revelation 5:9]]), signifying a new allegiance and identity. They no longer belong to themselves or to the powers of this world but are now the possession of God, called to live under His lordship.
* **Liberation and Consecration:** Redemption through Christ's purchase results in true freedom—freedom from the bondage of sin, the condemnation of the law, and the power of death. This freedom, however, is not for lawlessness but for a life of consecration and devoted service to God. Having been bought, believers are now called to glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which belong to Him ([[1 Corinthians 6:20]]).
* **Divine Initiative:** The use of agorázō (`{{G59}}`) in the context of salvation underscores God's sovereign initiative in saving humanity. It was God who, in His mercy and love, took the decisive action to "buy back" His fallen creation, demonstrating His active pursuit of reconciliation.
### Summary
Agorázō (`{{G59}}`) is a Greek verb whose primary meaning is "to buy" or "to purchase," originating from the concept of a marketplace transaction. However, its profound theological significance emerges in its specialized sense of "to redeem" or "to buy back." In this context, it powerfully communicates that human salvation is not a mere transaction but a costly act of divine acquisition. Believers are "bought with a price"—the precious blood of Jesus Christ—which fundamentally changes their ownership from sin and the world to God Himself. This act of redemption signifies liberation from spiritual bondage and a new life of consecration and belonging to Christ, underscoring the immense cost, the change of allegiance, and the sovereign initiative of God in securing humanity's eternal freedom.
TRV