ἀγοράζω (agorazō)
agorazō
to buy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agorazō literally means to buy or purchase, rooted in the Greek word for marketplace (agora). In everyday usage, it describes the simple act of acquiring goods through a transaction, as seen when Jesus cleanses the temple by driving out those buying and selling animals (Matthew 21:12), or when disciples discuss purchasing food for a crowd (Mark 6:37).
Its most significant theological weight appears in the New Testament’s metaphorical use. Rather than referring to material goods, it describes believers as being purchased by Christ. Paul writes that Christians were bought with a price, meaning their lives now belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). Similarly, Revelation portrays the redeemed as those bought from the earth through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 5:9), emphasizing a transfer of ownership and value.
This usage draws on the ancient practice of manumission, where slaves were purchased to gain freedom. The sources note that while the word can mean simply acquiring items, its spiritual application highlights redemption. It is not merely a commercial exchange but a decisive act of acquisition that establishes a new relationship between the buyer and the bought.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agorazō connects the busy noise of the ancient marketplace with the quiet certainty of God’s love. In daily life, it simply meant purchasing goods, a transaction where ownership changed hands. Yet in Scripture, this commercial term carries profound spiritual weight. It reminds us that our lives are not our own to manage or sell off for temporary gain.
When Paul writes that we were bought with a price, he speaks of a decisive act of redemption. Just as a slave might be purchased to gain freedom, Christ’s sacrifice secured our liberty and belonging. This truth offers deep comfort: you are valued beyond measure, held by the One who paid the ultimate cost for your sake.
This perspective invites us to live with eternal priorities in mind. Like those who sold all they had to buy a hidden treasure, we find that knowing Christ is worth every sacrifice. Your life belongs to Him, and that belonging is a gift of grace, not a burden to bear alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- buying4×
- to buy3×
- they may buy2×
- having bought2×
- do buy2×
- buys2×
- I have bought2×
- you were bought;1×
- you were bought1×
- were redeemed1×
- we may buy1×
- they were buying,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγοράσωμεν3×
- ἀγοράσαι3×
- ἀγοράζοντας3×
- ἠγόρασαν2×
- ἠγόρασα2×
- ἀγοράσωσιν2×
- ἀγοράζει2×
- ἠγόρασεν1×
- ἠγόρασας1×
- ἠγόραζον,1×
- ἠγοράσθητε·1×
- ἠγοράσθητε1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 6:20
for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
This verse anchors the theological meaning by stating believers were bought with a price, establishing that our bodies now belong to God.
-
I Corinthians 7:23
You were bought with a price. Don’t become bondservants of men.
Here the word links redemption to freedom, urging Christians not to enslave themselves to others since Christ has already purchased their liberty.
-
II Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.
This occurrence highlights the seriousness of denying Christ, referring to Him as the Master who bought those very false teachers.
-
Matthew 13:46
who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
In this parable, the merchant sells everything to buy a single pearl, illustrating that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth every earthly possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does agorazō mean in the Bible?
How is agorazō different from other words for buying?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 7 verses
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and…
Matthew 13:46who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 14:15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…
Matthew 21:12Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the…
Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for…
Matthew 25:10While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and…
Matthew 27:7They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them to bury strangers in.