Complete Deliverance: σῴζω (Strong’s G4982: sózó) Reveals Messiah’s Saving Power

Strong’s G4982: A primary verb denoting comprehensive salvation, σῴζω encompasses physical healing, spiritual deliverance, and eternal salvation. First used in announcing the Messiah’s mission to save His people from their sins, it articulates complete redemption.

U- Unveiling the Word

σῴζω represents the fullness of divine salvation, encompassing physical, spiritual, and eternal dimensions. First appearing in the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ mission, it carries the weight of complete deliverance from sin and its effects. The word spans rescue from physical danger to ultimate spiritual salvation. The early church recognized σῴζω as expressing the totality of the Messiah’s redemptive work. Today, it reminds us that salvation touches every aspect of human existence—body, soul, and spirit.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σῴζω, sózó, /sō’-zō/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SOH-zoh” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb related to σῶς (sós) meaning “safe”
• Connected to σωτήρ (sótér) meaning “savior”
• Root meaning “to make whole”

D – Defining Meanings

• To save
• To deliver
• To heal
• To make whole

Translation Options:

• “To save” – Best captures comprehensive salvation
• “To deliver” – Emphasizes rescue aspect
• “To make whole” – Highlights complete restoration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥύομαι (rhyomai) /hrü’-o-mī/ – to rescue – See G4506
• λυτρόω (lytroó) /lü-tro’-ō/ – to redeem – See G3084
• ἰάομαι (iaomai) /ē-ä’-o-mī/ – to heal – See G2390

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σῴζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective, Perfective, Stative

Examples:

• σῴζω – Present active (I save)
• σώσω – Future active (I will save)
• ἐσώθην – Aorist passive (I was saved)
• σεσωσμένος – Perfect passive participle (having been saved)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its comprehensive scope. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical to spiritual salvation. LSJ documents its broad classical usage. Vine’s connects it to complete redemption. Strong’s highlights its primary meaning of deliverance. Moulton and Milligan note its technical religious usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 1:21: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will [σῴζω] save his people from their sins.”

Additional References:

• Matthew 8:25
• Mark 5:23
• Luke 7:50
• John 3:17
• Acts 2:21
• Romans 5:9
• Ephesians 2:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σῴζω proclaims the comprehensive nature of the Messiah’s salvation. This word declares the good news that His saving work addresses every human need—physical, spiritual, and eternal—bringing complete restoration and wholeness to those who trust in Him.

D – Did You Know?

• It appears over 100 times in the New Testament
• Ancient medical writers used it for physical healing
• Early Christians used it as a technical term for conversion

Strong’s G4982: A primary verb denoting comprehensive salvation, σῴζω encompasses physical healing, spiritual deliverance, and eternal salvation. First used in announcing the Messiah’s mission to save His people from their sins, it articulates complete redemption.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: salvation, deliverance, healing, redemption, wholeness, eternal life, physical rescue, spiritual salvation, divine healing, complete restoration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​