ἐξαγοράζω (exagorazō)
exagorazō
to redeem
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exagorazō describes a specific kind of redemption that involves buying someone out of a market or sphere of control. Derived from a prefix meaning "out" and a root meaning "to buy in the marketplace," it carries the concrete image of paying a price to secure freedom for another person. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, primarily in Paul’s letters to Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians.
Paul uses this word with profound theological weight when describing Christ’s work. In Galatians 3:13 and 4:5, he explains that Jesus redeemed believers from the curse of the Law and the status of slavery by paying a ransom price through His death. The focus is on liberation from a dominant power through a costly transaction.
In Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5, the meaning shifts slightly to an active stewardship of time. Here, believers are urged to "make the most of" or buy up every opportunity. The sources suggest that just as Christ purchased freedom for us, we must purchase our moments for God’s purposes, treating time as a valuable commodity to be invested wisely rather than wasted.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word paints a vivid picture of freedom purchased at great cost. In the marketplace of ancient life, it meant buying someone out of slavery or debt to set them free. Paul uses this powerful image in Galatians to show how Jesus took the curse we deserved upon Himself. He paid the price so that we could leave behind our bondage and become children of God. This is not a distant idea; it is the foundation of your liberty in Christ.
There is also a practical side to this term found in Ephesians and Colossians. Here, it urges us to 'buy up' every opportunity. Time is treated like valuable currency in a difficult world. Instead of letting moments slip away, we are invited to invest them wisely for God’s purposes. It suggests that our daily hours are not ours to waste, but resources to be used for good.
Understanding this word brings both comfort and direction. You are free because of what Christ did, and you are called to live with intention. Let this truth anchor your faith when burdens feel heavy, and guide your steps as you navigate each day. May you find peace in your redemption and purpose in how you spend your time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- redeeming.1×
- redeeming1×
- redeemed1×
- He may redeem,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξηγόρασεν1×
- ἐξαγοράσῃ,1×
- ἐξαγοραζόμενοι.1×
- ἐξαγοραζόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”
This verse highlights the legal exchange where Christ absorbs the curse to secure our freedom from the law's condemnation.
-
Galatians 4:5
that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children.
Here the focus shifts from legal status to family relationship, showing redemption as the means to adoption as God's children.
-
Ephesians 5:16
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
This occurrence applies the concept of purchase to time itself, urging believers to seize opportunities because the current age is morally corrupt.