Redemption in the Bible

Introduction

To redeem is to buy back or set free, often at a cost. The Old Testament uses the word for a relative buying back family land, and for God freeing his people from Egypt. Leviticus 25:25 · Exodus 6:6

The New Testament speaks of redemption through Christ, “the forgiveness of our trespasses”, and also of a redemption still to come. Ephesians 1:7 · Romans 8:23

Central passages

• Exodus 6:6–7

  “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm… I will take you to myself for a people.”

• Deuteronomy 7:8

  The LORD redeemed you out of the house of bondage because he loves you.

• Leviticus 25:23–28

  If your brother becomes poor and sells his land, his nearest relative shall redeem it.

• Isaiah 43:1

  “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name.”

• Psalm 130:7–8

  With the LORD there is plentiful redemption; he will redeem Israel from all their sins.

• Mark 10:45

  The Son of Man came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

• Galatians 4:4–5

  God sent his Son to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption.

• Ephesians 1:7

  In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.

• 1 Peter 1:18–19

  You were redeemed not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.

• Romans 8:22–23

  We groan, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.

Across Scripture

Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.

Stories that show this theme

• The Exodus from Egypt Illustrates the theme

  God redeems Israel from slavery. Exodus 6:6

• The Crossing of the Red Sea

  The song praises the God who redeemed his people. Exodus 15:13

• The Fall

  Many Christian readers see in Genesis 3:15 a first hint of redemption; the verse itself speaks of the woman’s offspring and the serpent striking each other. This is an interpretation, not a statement of the verse. Genesis 3:15

• Ruth and Naomi Illustrates the theme

  Boaz acts as kinsman-redeemer. Ruth 4:9–10

• The Crucifixion of Jesus

  The New Testament explains Jesus’ death as a ransom. Mark 10:45

People associated with this theme

• Boaz

  Boaz redeems the family land. Ruth 4:9

Distinctions and questions of interpretation

Pictures of salvation

The New Testament uses several pictures for what Christ has done: redemption, justification, reconciliation, sacrifice. Christian traditions emphasise them differently; each is part of the picture. Romans 3:24–25 · 2 Corinthians 5:18–19

Related themes

• Covenant

  God redeems the people he has bound himself to. Exodus 6:4–6

• Grace

  Redemption is given, not bought by the redeemed. Romans 3:24

• Reconciliation

  Another New Testament picture of what God has done in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19