Redemption Terminology in Biblical and Theological Contexts
Redemption Terminology in Biblical Contexts
The concept of redemption is deeply rooted in biblical terminology, with various Hebrew and Greek words conveying the idea of deliverance or purchase back from a state of bondage or loss. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term "goel" refers to a redeemer or kinsman who restores the rights of another and avenges their wrongs [2]. This concept is illustrated in passages such as Leviticus 25:48-49 and Ruth 4:1, where a kinsman redeems family property or a relative from slavery.
The Greek term "apolutrosis" is used in the New Testament to describe redemption, emphasizing the idea of a ransom or price paid for deliverance. This term occurs nine times in Scripture, always with the connotation of a ransom or price paid [1]. For example, in Colossians 1:14, it is written that "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" [4].
Theological Significance of Redemption
Theologically, redemption is understood as a deliverance from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, redemption is "the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament" [6]. The purpose of redemption is to enable believers to serve God in holiness and righteousness, free from the fear of enemies [7].
In the view of Protestant academics, redemption is not only a deliverance from sin but also a means of honoring God through the praises of the redeemed, as seen in Isaiah 43:21 [8]. The Presbyterian interpretation highlights the connection between redemption and the price paid by Jesus Christ, citing Isaiah 1:27 and 1 Peter 1:18-19 [9].
Historical and Linguistic Insights
The Jewish Rationalist tradition, represented by Abraham Ibn Ezra, provides insight into the linguistic nuances of redemption terminology. Ibn Ezra notes that the Hebrew word for redemption, "pidyon," is sometimes spelled with a "mem" instead of a "nun" [5]. This highlights the complexities of Hebrew linguistics and the importance of understanding the original language in interpreting biblical concepts.
The biblical concept of redemption is multifaceted, encompassing both the idea of deliverance from bondage and the payment of a ransom or price. As seen in Psalms 111:9, redemption is a covenantal concept, with God sending redemption to His people and establishing an eternal covenant [3]. The ultimate fulfillment of redemption is found in Jesus Christ, who paid the price for humanity's sin, enabling believers to be redeemed and serve God in freedom and righteousness.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redemption — The purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom. The Greek word so rendered is apolutrosis, a word occurring nine times in Scripture, and always with the idea of a ransom or price paid, i.e., redemption by a lutron (see Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). There are instances in the LXX. Version of the Old Testament of the use of lutron in man's relation to man (Lev. 19:20; 25:51; Ex. 21:30; Num. 35:31, 32; Isa. 45:13; Prov. 6:35), and in the same sense of man's relation to God (Num. 3:49; 18:15). There are many passages in the New Tes”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redeemer — Heb. goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs (Lev. 25:48, 49; Num. 5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35, etc.). This title is peculiarly applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom (q.v.). (See [524]REDEMPTION.)”
- Psalms “Psalms 111:9 (YLT) — Redemption He hath sent to His people, He hath appointed to the age His covenant, Holy and fearful <FI>is<Fi> His name.”
- Colossians “Colossians 1:14 (BSB) — in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Numbers 3:49: REDEMPTION. Pidyom (redemption) is spelled with a mem in place of a nun . 91 For the Hebrew word for redemption is pidyon . Compare, Gershon. 92 Here a nun has been substituted for a mem . See I.E. on verse 17.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:7: In whom--"the Beloved" (Eph 1:6; Rom 3:24). we have--as a present possession. redemption--Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Rom 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mat 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him (Lev 25:48). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us (Mat 20:28). Another "redempti”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 1:74: That he would grant us, &c.--How comprehensive is the view here given! (1) The purpose of all redemption--"that we should serve Him"--that is, "the Lord God of Israel" (Luk 1:68). The word signifies religious service distinctively--"the priesthood of the New Testament" [BENGEL]. (2) The nature of this service--"in holiness and righteousness before Him" (Luk 1:75) --or, as in His presence (compare Psa 56:13). (3) Its freedom--"being delivered out of the hand of our enemies." (4) Its fearlessness--"might serve Him without fear." (5) Its duration--"all the ”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 43:21: 43:21 One purpose of redemption is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (see 1 Pet 2:9).”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 1:27: redeemed--temporarily, civilly, and morally; type of the spiritual redemption by the price of Jesus Christ's blood (Pe1 1:18-19), the foundation of "judgment" and "righteousness," and so of pardon. The judgment and righteousness are God's first (Isa 42:21; Rom 3:26); so they become man's when "converted" (Rom 8:3-4); typified in the display of God's "justice," then exhibited in delivering His covenant-people, whereby justice or "righteousness" was produced in them. converts--so MAURER. But Margin, "they that return of her," namely the remnant that re”