xlit gᵉullâh corrected to gᵉʼullâh; feminine passive participle of גָּאַל; redemption (including the right and the object); by implication, relationship; kindred, redeem, redemption, right.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gᵉʼullâh**, represented by `{{H1353}}`, is a feminine passive participle of `{{H1350}}` and signifies **redemption**. It appears 14 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. The term encompasses not just the act of redemption itself, but also the legal **right** of redemption, the object being redeemed, and by implication, the **relationship** or **kindred** that grants this right.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1353}}` is primarily a legal and social term. It defines the right of a kinsman to buy back property that was sold, ensuring land remained within the family as commanded in the Law [[Leviticus 25:24]]. A clear example is when Jeremiah is instructed by the LORD to buy a field from his cousin, Hanameel, because the **right** of **redemption** belonged to him as next of kin [[Jeremiah 32:7]]. The concept also applied to people, where a relative could be redeemed from servitude [[Leviticus 25:48]]. Furthermore, it could refer to the relationship itself, as when the **men** of thy **kindred** are mentioned in Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 11:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of redemption and its legal framework:
* `{{H1350}}` **gâʼal** (to redeem): This is the primitive root from which **gᵉʼullâh** is derived. It refers to the action of redeeming or performing the part of a next of kin, as when a kinsman said he could not **redeem** a property [[Ruth 4:6]].
* `{{H3425}}` **yᵉrushshâh** (heritage, inheritance, possession): The right of redemption was intrinsically linked to protecting one's **inheritance**. The **right** of **inheritance** and the **redemption** are presented as connected privileges for Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 32:8]].
* `{{H4941}}` **mishpâṭ** (judgment, right, ordinance): This term underscores the legal basis for redemption. The opportunity to redeem was not merely a custom but a formal **right** or ordinance established in Israel's law [[Jeremiah 32:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1353}}` is significant, establishing principles of justice, relationship, and restoration within Israel.
* **The Right of Kinship and Relationship:** The concept is fundamentally tied to familial bonds. The right to redeem belonged to a **brother** or kinsman, reinforcing family responsibility [[Leviticus 25:48]]. This is expanded in Ezekiel, where the word itself is used for the **men** of thy **kindred** [[Ezekiel 11:15]], showing that belonging to God's people is a form of kinship.
* **Preservation of Divine Inheritance:** God commanded that a **redemption** be granted for the **land** to preserve the **possession** He allotted to the tribes of Israel [[Leviticus 25:24]]. This ensured that family inheritance was not permanently lost, pointing to God as the ultimate owner who provides for His people.
* **System of Justice and Mercy:** The laws of **redemption** provided a just way to restore both property and people. The price for redeeming a person was calculated based on the years remaining until the **jubile** [[Leviticus 25:52]], preventing exploitation and offering a path back to freedom and family. This framework demonstrated God's concern for order and mercy within His covenant community.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1353}}` is much more than a simple term for buying something back. It is a cornerstone of Old Testament law, defining the right, object, and practice of **redemption** as an act of kinship. It illustrates a divinely ordered system for preserving family, **inheritance**, and personal freedom. Ultimately, **gᵉʼullâh** provides a framework for understanding justice, relationship, and restoration within the covenant people of Israel.
TRV