Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Redemption”
The biblical word “Redemption” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (ga'al / padah (Hebrew), lytrosis (Greek)), where it meant “To buy back, to ransom, to reclaim by paying a price”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The act of being saved from sin, error, or evil through Christ”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekga'al / padah (Hebrew), lytrosis (Greek)To buy back, to ransom, to reclaim by paying a price
Hebrew 'ga'al' (H1350) is the kinsman-redeemer concept (Ruth 4). 'Padah' (H6299) means to ransom. Greek 'lytrosis' (G3085) means release through payment of a ransom.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinredemptioThe deliverance of humanity from sin through Christ's sacrifice
Latin 'redemptio' from 'redimere' (to buy back). The early Church Fathers debated to whom the ransom was paid -- to Satan (ransom theory) or to satisfy divine justice.
Modern English
EnglishredemptionThe act of being saved from sin, error, or evil through Christ
From Latin via Old French. The metaphor of purchasing freedom was vivid in the ancient world where slavery was commonplace.