σωτηρία (sōtēria)
sōtēria
salvation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 49 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun sōtēria denotes deliverance, preservation, or safety, covering both physical rescue and spiritual well-being. In the New Testament, it most frequently describes Messianic salvation—the comprehensive saving work of God through Christ. This meaning builds on its Old Testament background, where it translates Hebrew words for rescue from enemies or disaster, as seen in Zechariah’s prophecy about a “horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69).
While the word can refer to bodily health or safety in secular contexts, Scripture typically uses it for spiritual realities. It appears often in Acts and Romans to describe the gospel itself as the power that saves (Romans 1:16). The sources highlight a tension between present possession and future hope: believers already experience salvation as a current reality (Luke 1:77; Philippians 1:19), yet they also await its full realization at Christ’s return (Romans 13:11; Hebrews 9:28).
Its root connects to sōtēr, meaning “savior,” emphasizing that salvation is an act of rescue rather than mere moral improvement. Translators usually render it simply as “salvation,” though this English term can feel abstract. The Greek word carries the concrete weight of being saved from danger or loss, whether from sin’s penalty in the present or from all earthly ills in the future kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sōtēria carries the weight of rescue from danger. In Scripture it moves beyond abstract theology to describe God’s tangible deliverance. Zechariah spoke of a horn of salvation raised in David’s house, pointing to Jesus as the one who saves us from enemies and sin (Luke 1:69). This is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who trust in Christ.
Paul reminds us that this salvation is God’s power at work now. He writes that the Good News brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Yet we also look forward to its full completion. As he tells the Philippians, even difficult seasons can turn out for our salvation through prayer and the Spirit (Philippians 1:19). God is actively preserving you in Christ.
Take heart in this promise. You are not left to face life’s trials alone. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in you today. Rest in the knowledge that your salvation is secure in Him, now and forever.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 49 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- salvation22×
- of salvation5×
- salvation.4×
- [the] salvation4×
- salvation,3×
- of salvation;2×
- salvation?1×
- salvation;1×
- preservation1×
- of salvation.1×
- of salvation,1×
- deliverance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σωτηρίαν13×
- σωτηρίας12×
- σωτηρία7×
- σωτηρίας,3×
- σωτήριον2×
- σωτηρίας·2×
- σωτηρίας.2×
- σωτηρίαν.¶2×
- σωτήριος1×
- σωτηρίου1×
- σωτηρίας;1×
- σωτηρίαν;¶1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:69
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
Zechariah identifies Jesus as the promised horn of salvation, linking deliverance directly to David’s royal line.
-
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
Paul defines the Gospel itself as the active power of God that brings salvation to all who believe.
-
Philippians 1:19
For I know that this will turn out to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Paul views his imprisonment not as defeat but as a means through which God will bring about his own salvation.
-
Acts 4:12
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
Peter declares that no other name exists under heaven for this essential deliverance, centering hope solely in Christ.