Understanding ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis) Strong’s G629: The Divine Act of Redemption That Points to Ultimate Deliverance

Pronunciation Guide: ah-pol-OO-tro-sis

Basic Definition

Strong’s G629: ἀπολύτρωσις refers to the act of setting free or releasing by payment of a ransom, specifically denoting redemption, deliverance, or liberation from bondage. In biblical usage, it carries the profound theological meaning of the redemption accomplished by the Messiah Jesus through His sacrificial death, resulting in the forgiveness of sins and ultimate deliverance of believers. This term uniquely captures both the price paid for freedom and the resulting state of liberation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Compound word from ἀπό (from) + λύτρωσις (loosing, releasing)
• Root word λύτρον (lytron) meaning “ransom”
• Primary usage in doctrinal and teaching passages
• Frequently appears in Pauline epistles
• Used in both spiritual and commercial contexts in ancient Greek

ἀπολύτρωσις Morphology:

• ἀπολύτρωσις (nominative singular) – redemption
• ἀπολυτρώσεως (genitive singular) – of redemption
• ἀπολυτρώσει (dative singular) – in/by redemption
• ἀπολύτρωσιν (accusative singular) – redemption (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀπολύτρωσις emerged from the commercial and legal spheres of ancient Greek society, where it originally referred to the payment of ransom to secure the release of prisoners of war or slaves. In Plato’s “Laws” (919a), the term’s root concept appears in discussions of commercial transactions involving release from obligations. The Septuagint (LXX) employs related terms, particularly in Daniel 4:34 regarding King Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration.

The concept gained deeper theological significance in Hellenistic Judaism, as evidenced in the writings of Philo of Alexandria (“On the Confusion of Tongues,” 93), where he uses it to describe spiritual liberation. Early church fathers like Origen (“Against Celsus,” 7.17) and Clement of Alexandria (“Stromata,” 4.23) expanded its meaning to encompass the full scope of salvation accomplished through the Messiah.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete release effected by payment of ransom
• Liberation from bondage or imprisonment
• Deliverance from sin and its consequences
• Eschatological freedom from corruption

ἀπολύτρωσις Translation Options:

• Redemption – Best captures both the payment and release aspects
• Ransom-liberation – Emphasizes the cost and result of the action
• Deliverance – Suitable when focusing on the outcome rather than the process
• Release by payment – Useful when the commercial metaphor needs emphasis
• Complete freedom – Appropriate for eschatological contexts

Biblical Usage

The term ἀπολύτρωσις appears 10 times in the New Testament, predominantly in Pauline literature. Its first appearance in Luke 21:28 connects it to the final eschatological deliverance, while Paul often uses it to describe the present reality of salvation through the Messiah’s sacrifice.

The usage pattern reveals a dual aspect: the already accomplished redemption through the Messiah’s blood and the future complete redemption at His return. This temporal tension creates a rich theological framework for understanding salvation as both present reality and future hope.

• “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις] draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
• “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις] that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24
• “Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις] of our body.” Romans 8:23
• “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις].” 1 Corinthians 1:30
• “In whom we have redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις] through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Ephesians 1:7
• “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις] of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:14
• “In whom we have redemption [ἀπολύτρωσις] through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, ἀπολύτρωσις was intimately connected with the slave market. When a person was redeemed, a certificate of redemption (ἀπολυτρώσεως) was issued, legally declaring their freedom. This practice illuminates Paul’s use of the term, suggesting that believers have a divine certificate of redemption through the Messiah’s blood.

The concept also relates to the Hebrew practice of the kinsman-redeemer (גֹּאֵל – go’el), as seen in the book of Ruth. This cultural background enriches our understanding of how the Messiah serves as our Kinsman-Redeemer, paying the price for our redemption and restoring our spiritual inheritance.

Theological Significance

ἀπολύτρωσις represents a cornerstone of soteriology, embodying the complete work of salvation accomplished by the Messiah. It encompasses not just forgiveness of sins but the total liberation of human beings from the bondage of sin, death, and Satan’s dominion. The term bridges the gap between the already accomplished historical act of redemption at the cross and the future consummation of that redemption at the Messiah’s return.

The use of this term emphasizes that our salvation was not free – it came at the costly price of the Messiah’s blood. This underscores both God’s justice in requiring payment for sin and His love in providing that payment Himself through His Son. The compound nature of the word (ἀπό + λύτρωσις) suggests both the source of redemption (from God) and its comprehensive nature (complete release).

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπολύτρωσις should revolutionize how we view our spiritual status and daily walk with God. Just as a freed slave would carry their certificate of redemption with absolute confidence in their new identity, we can walk in the assurance of our redemption in the Messiah. This truth should influence how we face temptation, handle guilt, and approach spiritual warfare.

Moreover, the future aspect of ἀπολύτρωσις reminds us to live with hopeful expectation, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that complete redemption – including our physical bodies – awaits us at the Messiah’s return.

Related Words

• λύτρον (lytron) – ransom price; emphasizes the cost of redemption See G3083
• λυτρόω (lytroō) – to release by paying a ransom; focuses on the act of redemption See G3084
• ἐξαγοράζω (exagorazō) – to buy out of the marketplace; emphasizes purchase from slavery See G1805
• λύσις (lysis) – loosing, release; the basic concept of being set free See G3080

Did you Know?

• The papyri discoveries at Oxyrhynchus revealed numerous manumission documents using ἀπολύτρωσις, showing how early Christians would have immediately understood its legal implications for spiritual freedom.
• In modern Greek, ἀπολύτρωσις is still used in legal contexts for the discharge of obligations, maintaining its connection to the idea of release from binding claims.
• The concept of ἀπολύτρωσις played a crucial role in early Jewish-Christian debates about the nature of salvation, as evidenced in early rabbinic literature’s interaction with Christian teachings about redemption.

Remember This

ἀπολύτρωσις encapsulates the grand narrative of salvation: purchased at great cost, securing present freedom, and promising future glory.