Redemption — Meaning in the Bible
Buying back or setting free by paying a price. In Israel a relative could redeem family land or a family member; the Bible uses the same idea for God freeing his people.
What it means
Israel's law let a close relative, the redeemer, buy back land or a relative who had been sold, so that a family did not lose its inheritance or freedom. Boaz acts as this kind of redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Leviticus 25:25Leviticus 25:47–49Ruth 4:4–10
God is called Israel's Redeemer, who freed them from Egypt. The New Testament speaks of redemption through Christ's blood, which brings forgiveness. Exodus 6:6Isaiah 43:1Ephesians 1:71 Peter 1:18–19
Key passages
- Leviticus 25:23–28 — Redeeming family land.
- Ruth 4:1–10 — Boaz redeems the land and marries Ruth.
- Exodus 6:6 — "I will redeem you with an outstretched arm."
- Isaiah 43:1 — "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you."
- Mark 10:45 — Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many.
- Ephesians 1:7 — Redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Different senses
- Family redemption
- A relative buys back land or a person. Leviticus 25:25Ruth 4:6
- God freeing his people
- From slavery in Egypt or from exile. Exodus 6:6Isaiah 44:22
- Redemption in Christ
- Freedom and forgiveness through Jesus' death. Ephesians 1:7Galatians 4:4–5
Original language
גָּאַל ga.al
Hebrew · Strong’s H1350a · gloss: “to redeem: redeem”
The Hebrew verb behind "redeem" and the noun "redeemer" (go'el), used of Boaz and of God. Ruth 4:4Job 19:25
ἀπολύτρωσις apolutrōsis
Greek · Strong’s G629 · gloss: “redemption”
The Greek word often translated redemption. Ephesians 1:7Romans 3:24
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
For children
To redeem means to buy something back or set someone free. Boaz bought back Naomi's family land, and God set his people free from Egypt. Ruth 4:9Exodus 6:6
Study further
- Leviticus 25:23–28 The law of redemption.
- Ruth 4:1–17 A redeemer at work.
- Isaiah 43:1–7 God as Redeemer.
- Ephesians 1:3–10 Redemption in Christ.