λύω (luō)
luō
to loose
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 41 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb luo means to unbind, release, or dissolve. In its simplest sense, it describes the physical act of loosening something tied up, such as a donkey’s tether in Matthew 21:2 or the burial wrappings that held Lazarus in John 11:44. It also applies to breaking apart structures, like the temple Jesus spoke of destroying in John 2:19, or dismissing an assembly in Acts 13:43.
Beyond physical release, luo carries a strong legal and metaphorical weight. It is used for annulling laws or commands, as when Jesus clarifies that he did not come to abolish the Law in Matthew 5:19. The sources highlight its use in describing the breaking of marriage ties in 1 Corinthians 7:27 and the destruction of Satan’s works in 1 John 3:8. This range shows a word that moves from undoing knots to dismantling systems.
A notable distinction lies in how translators handle this breadth. While often rendered as "loose" or "unbind," the context determines whether the action is liberating, like freeing a prisoner, or destructive, like dissolving the universe in 2 Peter 3:10. The verb captures both the relief of release and the finality of dissolution, depending on what is being unbound.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word luo captures a profound sense of release, moving from simple physical unbinding to deep spiritual freedom. In the Gospels, we see Jesus using this action in everyday moments, such as asking disciples to untie a donkey for His entry into Jerusalem. These acts were not merely logistical; they pointed toward a greater reality where Christ breaks the bonds that hold humanity captive.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort in times of restriction. Just as Lazarus was freed from his burial wrappings, you can trust that Jesus has the power to loosen any constraint in your life, whether it is fear, past mistakes, or spiritual bondage. His authority extends to releasing us from the weight of sin and the accusations of the enemy, inviting us into a life of grace.
Ultimately, luo reminds us that freedom is a gift from God. It is not something we achieve by our own strength but something received through Christ’s work. As you face challenges, remember that the One who holds the keys of heaven also holds the power to unbind your heart, bringing peace and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 41 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to untie3×
- you shall loose2×
- loosed2×
- will be released1×
- will be dissolved1×
- were released1×
- was loosed1×
- was being broken up1×
- was He breaking1×
- untying1×
- untie you1×
- to untie.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λῦσαι4×
- λύσῃ3×
- λύσατε3×
- λυθῆναι3×
- λῦσον2×
- λύσαντες2×
- ἔλυσεν1×
- ἔλυεν1×
- ἐλύθησαν1×
- ἐλύθη1×
- ἐλύετο1×
- λῦσαι.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:44
He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
This verse shows Jesus commanding freedom for Lazarus, illustrating His power to release individuals from death and physical binding.
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Luke 13:16
Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham whom Satan had bound eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?”
Here Jesus describes a woman as one whom Satan had bound, highlighting the word's use in spiritual liberation from oppression.
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Matthew 16:19
I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.”
This passage links earthly authority with heavenly reality, showing how binding and loosing operate within the Kingdom context.
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Mark 7:35
Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly.
The healing of a deaf man uses this term for his tongue being released, connecting physical healing with spiritual freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word luo mean?
How is luo different from chresto?
Where does luo appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (41 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the…
Matthew 16:19I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven;…
Matthew 18:18Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you…
Matthew 21:2saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with…