λύτρωσις (lutrōsis)
lutrōsis
redemption
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lutrōsis denotes a ransom or redemption, specifically referring to the act of buying back someone from captivity. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, carrying a weighty sense of deliverance achieved through payment. The sources highlight its use in Luke’s Gospel, where Zechariah praises God for visiting and redeeming his people (Luke 1:68), and in the account of Anna, who waited for the consolation of Israel and spoke of this redemption to all seeking it (Luke 2:38).
This term is rooted in the concept of paying a price to secure release. Its theological depth is most fully explored in Hebrews 9:12, where Christ enters the holy place once for all, securing eternal redemption by his own blood. Unlike general rescue, lutrōsis implies a transactional element, echoing Old Testament practices of ransoming prisoners or reclaiming property. It points to a decisive act of liberation from bondage, grounded in the sacrificial work of Jesus.
Translators typically render it as "redemption" or "deliverance," capturing the idea of freedom won at a cost. The word emphasizes not just escape, but a restored status through payment. In Luke, it connects to the hope of Israel’s restoration; in Hebrews, it anchors the certainty of Christ’s finished work. This single term bridges the ancient practice of ransom with the spiritual reality of salvation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Redemption is not merely a rescue; it is a purchase. The Greek word lutrōsis points to a specific act where a price is paid to secure freedom from captivity. When we read that God has visited and redeemed His people, we see a promise fulfilled through sacrifice. This is not a distant concept but a personal reality: you are valued enough to be bought back.
In the New Testament, this word anchors our hope in the finished work of Jesus. Unlike temporary fixes, the redemption secured by Christ’s blood is eternal. It restores your standing before God, moving you from bondage to freedom. This assurance remains steady through every season of life, reminding us that our liberation was won at the highest cost.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- redemption2×
- [the] redemption1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λύτρωσιν3×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:68
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people;
Zechariah uses this term to declare that God’s visitation involved an active purchase of His people, fulfilling ancient promises.
-
Hebrews 9:12
nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.
This verse highlights the unique nature of Christ’s work by contrasting animal sacrifices with His own blood securing eternal redemption.
-
Luke 2:38
Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
Anna’s testimony shows that this redemption was a central hope for those waiting in Jerusalem, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment.