ῥύομαι (rhuomai)
rhuomai
to rescue
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhuomai describes the act of drawing someone to safety or rescuing them from danger. Its core image comes from the idea of pulling a person away from harm, much like hauling something out of deep water. In the New Testament, it appears sixteen times, often in contexts where believers face severe trials or spiritual peril.
This word carries significant theological weight, particularly in Paul’s letters. Romans 7:24 captures the human cry for help with the question, "Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Similarly, Romans 11:26 identifies Christ as "the Deliverer" who saves Israel. The term is not limited to physical rescue; it frequently points to divine intervention in spiritual crises, such as being delivered from the power of darkness in Colossians 1:13.
Etymologically, rhuomai is linked to the concept of a current or stream, suggesting a forceful pulling action. This distinguishes it from other words for saving that might imply mere protection; rhuomai emphasizes active extraction from a threatening situation. Translators typically render it as "rescue" or "deliver," preserving the sense of urgent intervention by God on behalf of His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming, the word rhuomai reminds us that God is actively involved in pulling us from danger. It describes a forceful rescue, like hauling someone out of deep water. This image offers comfort because it shows God does not just watch from afar; He intervenes with strength to bring safety.
This promise applies to spiritual and physical trials alike. Whether facing inner struggle or external opposition, believers can trust in His deliverance. The Apostle Paul often referenced this hope during his own hardships, finding assurance that the Lord stands by those who wait on Him.
Ultimately, this word points to our secure future. Christians look forward to a time when every evil work is removed and we are kept safe for God’s kingdom. Until then, we rest in the knowledge that He is our Deliverer, ready to help whenever we cry out for rescue.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- has delivered2×
- do deliver2×
- will deliver [us]1×
- will deliver1×
- we may be delivered1×
- to deliver,1×
- is delivering1×
- he should deliver1×
- having been saved1×
- delivered1×
- Will deliver1×
- I was delivered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥύσεται3×
- ἐρρύσατο3×
- ῥῦσαι2×
- ῥύσεταί1×
- ῥύεσθαι,1×
- ῥυόμενος,1×
- ῥυόμενον1×
- ῥυσάσθω1×
- ῥυσθῶμεν1×
- ῥυσθῶ1×
- ῥυσθέντας1×
- ἐρρύσθην1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 7:24
What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death?
This verse captures the desperate human need for divine intervention when facing inner spiritual conflict.
-
Colossians 1:13
who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love,
It highlights the foundational shift from darkness into Christ’s kingdom as a past act of rescue.
-
II Thessalonians 3:2
and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith.
This occurrence shows practical reliance on God for protection from hostile people who lack faith.
-
II Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul uses this term to express confident hope in final preservation into the heavenly kingdom.