λυτρόω
To ransom (literally or figuratively)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does λυτρόω (lytróō) mean in the Bible?
λυτρόω (lytróō) is a Greek word meaning "to ransom (literally or figuratively)". λυτρόω, -ῶ (λύτρον, which see), [in LXX chiefly for פָּדָה, גָּאַל ;] to release on receipt of ransom; mid. Christ’s self-giving is substitutionary and liberating, freeing believers from lawlessness. This term runs through the canonical themes of Messiah, Priesthood, Redemption.
Meaning
Release from bondage through payment of a ransom price; redemption from slavery or captivity.
(λύτρον, which see), [in LXX chiefly for פָּדָה, גָּאַל ;] to release on receipt of ransom; mid., to release by paying ransom, to redeem: in spiritual sense, Tit.2:14; pass, 1Pe.1:18; in general sense, to deliver (cf. Exo.6:6, Psa.69:18, al.): Luk.24:21.
Why This Word Matters
Christ’s self-giving is substitutionary and liberating, freeing believers from lawlessness. 1 Peter 1:13-25
Centers salvation on Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice. Titus 2:11-15
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 3 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain