ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron)

antilutron

ransom

G0487 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The noun antilytron refers to a ransom, specifically a price paid to secure the release or redemption of someone else. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Timothy 2:6, where Paul describes Jesus giving himself as a corresponding ransom for all.

Its meaning is shaped by its components: anti, meaning "in place of" or "corresponding to," and lytron, meaning "ransom." This distinction highlights the substitutionary nature of the act. It is not merely a payment for freedom, but a life given in exchange for another. The term emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice serves as the direct equivalent for humanity.

Translators render this word as "ransom" to capture its commercial and legal weight. The phrase "corresponding ransom" in 1 Timothy 2:6 underscores the balance of the transaction. One life is offered to secure many, reflecting a precise exchange rather than a general act of mercy.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word antilytron carries the weight of a specific exchange. It describes a life given in place of another to secure release. In 1 Timothy 2:6, we see Jesus offering Himself as this corresponding ransom for all people. This is not a vague gesture but a precise act of substitution that addresses the deep need for freedom from sin.

For your faith, this means you are valued enough for such a costly price to be paid. The balance of the transaction shows that one life was offered to secure many. You do not need to earn this release through your own efforts. Instead, you can rest in the certainty that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient and complete for everyone.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

[as] a ransom1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ἀντίλυτρον1×

Key Verses

I Timothy 2:6
who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,

This single occurrence defines the term by showing Jesus giving Himself as the exact equivalent price to secure freedom for all humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does antilytron mean?

It means a ransom or a price paid to secure release. The word combines 'anti' (in place of) and 'lytron' (ransom), emphasizing that Christ gave His life as a direct substitute for others.

How is antilytron different from lytron?

Lytron simply means ransom or redemption price. Antilytron adds the nuance of correspondence or substitution, highlighting that one life was given in exchange for many specific lives.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 2:6. Paul uses it to describe Jesus giving Himself as a ransom for all people at the proper time.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Timothy 1 verse

I Timothy 2:6

who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,