σωτήριον (sōtērion)
sōtērion
saving
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective sōtērion describes something that brings or embodies salvation. Derived from the word for "savior," it shifts the focus from the person who saves to the saving act itself. In the New Testament, this term is used exclusively in a spiritual sense, pointing toward deliverance from sin rather than physical rescue.
It appears most notably in Luke’s Gospel, where Simeon recognizes the infant Jesus as the embodiment of God’s salvation (Luke 2:30). The adjective can also function as a substantive noun, referring to the hope of future salvation or the very gift of deliverance that God provides. This usage highlights that salvation is both a present reality and a future hope.
While less common than its noun counterpart, sōtērion carries significant weight by connecting the person of Jesus directly to the concept of salvation. It reminds readers that salvation is not merely an abstract idea but something tangible and personal, brought into the world through Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sōtērion points to salvation as a tangible gift rather than an abstract concept. When Simeon declared in Luke 2:30 that his eyes had seen God’s salvation, he was recognizing the incarnation itself. This shift from the Savior to the saving act reminds us that deliverance is not just a future hope but a present reality embodied in Christ.
For your faith, this means you do not need to search for salvation in distant places or complex rituals. It has come near, grounded in history and personal encounter. You can rest in the assurance that God’s rescue from sin is real, accessible, and fully provided through Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- salvation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σωτήριόν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:30
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
Simeon uses this term to identify the infant Jesus as the concrete embodiment of God's promised deliverance.