G629
ἀπολύτρωσις
(the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation
Transliteration
apolýtrōsisPronunciation
(ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis)Everything you need to know.
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(the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation
ἀπολύτρωσις(apolýtrōsis)
Strong’s Definition
(the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation
from a compound of G575 (ἀπό) and G3083 (λύτρον);
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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
ἀπολύτρωσις Morphology:
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
ἀπολύτρωσις Translation Options:
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.
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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
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Remember This
ἀπολύτρωσις encapsulates the grand narrative of salvation: purchased at great cost, securing present freedom, and promising future glory.