Brief Overview of ἐλευθερόω (Strong’s G1659: eleutheróō)

Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the original words used in the New Testament allows for a richer interpretation of its messages. The Greek word ἐλευθερόω (eleutheróō) is particularly significant because it is a verb that conveys the concept of setting someone free or liberating them. This term is central to Christian theology, where it is often used to describe the spiritual liberation that believers experience through Christ. The concept of freedom, which ἐλευθερόω embodies, was also deeply valued in ancient Greek culture, influencing various aspects of political, social, and philosophical life. Exploring this word provides insight into both the New Testament’s teachings on freedom and its broader cultural context.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἐλευθερόω (eleutheróō) [eh-loo-the-ROH-oh]

Etymology:

• Derived from the root word ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros), meaning “free” or “liberated.” The verb form ἐλευθερόω directly translates to “to set free” or “to liberate.”

Part of Speech:

• Verb (Present Active Indicative, First Person Singular: ἐλευθερόω)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• To set free, particularly in the context of releasing someone from bondage, slavery, or oppression.
• To liberate, often used in a spiritual sense to describe the liberation from sin, death, or the law.
• To make free, implying the transition from a state of bondage to a state of freedom.

Similar Words:

• λύω (lýō) [LOO-oh]: This verb means “to loose” or “to release” and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. While λύω focuses on the act of releasing or unbinding, ἐλευθερόω emphasizes the result of that action—freedom.
• ἀπολύω (apolýō) [ah-po-LOO-oh]: Meaning “to release” or “to dismiss,” this word is often used in a legal or formal context, such as releasing a prisoner. Unlike ἐλευθερόω, which emphasizes liberation as a state of being, ἀπολύω is more focused on the act of release.

Both ἐλευθερόω and λύω involve the idea of setting free, but ἐλευθερόω specifically highlights the end result of freedom, while λύω and ἀπολύω focus more on the process of unbinding or releasing.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐλευθερόω is a verb that can be conjugated in various tenses and voices. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the spiritual liberation that believers experience through Christ’s redemptive work. Table: Conjugation of ἐλευθερόω (eleutheróō) in Present Tense Person Singular Plural 1st ἐλευθερόω ἐλευθερόομεν 2nd ἐλευθεροῖς ἐλευθεροῖτε 3rd ἐλευθεροῖ ἐλευθεροῦσι(ν)

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes ἐλευθερόω as a verb meaning “to set free” or “to liberate,” with an emphasis on the spiritual freedom from sin and the law that comes through faith in Christ. The lexicon highlights its use in the New Testament to convey the transformation from bondage to freedom.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon defines ἐλευθερόω as “to make free,” particularly in the context of spiritual liberation. It notes that the term is used to describe the act of Christ setting believers free from the power of sin and death.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐλευθερόω in the context of Christian liberty, emphasizing its role in describing the freedom that believers experience in Christ. This freedom is not just from external oppression but also from internal bondage to sin.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon outlines the broader classical usage of ἐλευθερόω, where it was used to describe the act of setting someone free, particularly in the context of slavery. It also carried connotations of political and personal freedom in ancient Greek society.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐλευθερόω as “to set free” or “to liberate,” with a focus on the spiritual freedom that believers receive through Christ’s redemptive work. It emphasizes the transformation from a state of bondage to one of freedom.

Scripture References:

• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free (ἐλευθερώσῃ), you will be free indeed.”
• Romans 8:2 – “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free (ἐλευθέρωσεν) in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
• Galatians 5:1 – “For freedom (ἐλευθερίᾳ) Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐλευθερόω (G1659: eleutheróō):

The Greek word ἐλευθερόω, meaning “to set free” or “to liberate,” is a powerful verb used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In the Bible, it is used to describe the spiritual freedom that believers experience through Christ, emphasizing the transition from bondage to a state of freedom. This word also resonates with the broader cultural value of freedom in ancient Greek society, where it was seen as essential for personal autonomy and societal well-being. Understanding ἐλευθερόω provides profound insights into the theological dimensions of Christian liberty and the cultural ideals of freedom in the ancient world.

Did You Know?

The concept of ἐλευθερόω as a verb not only refers to the physical act of setting someone free but also carries deep spiritual connotations in the New Testament. It reflects the Christian belief in liberation from the power of sin and death, a core theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. This verb encapsulates the transformative power of Christ’s redemptive work, offering believers a life of true freedom in the Spirit.