Ransom (Lutron)
λύτρον (lutron)
The price paid for release — the cost of freeing a captive or slave from bondage.
Lutron is the Greek word for ransom, meaning the price paid to release a captive. Jesus declared that He came to give His life as 'a ransom for many' — paying the ultimate price to free humanity from sin's bondage.
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." — Mark 10:45 (KJV)
Key Verses
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”Read in context
1 Peter 1:18
“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G3083 — Ransom (Lutron) (λύτρον (lutron))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where λύτρον (lutron) appears.
Open Strong's G3083Etymology and Original Meaning
Lutron comes from luō, meaning 'to loose' or 'to release.' A lutron is the price paid to set someone free — the ransom money that purchases a prisoner's release or a slave's freedom. In the ancient world, captured soldiers, enslaved people, and condemned prisoners could be freed if someone paid the required price. The word inherently involves substitution: one pays so another goes free.
Jesus' Self-Understanding
Mark 10:45 is perhaps the clearest statement of Jesus' mission in His own words: He came 'to give his life a ransom for many.' This is substitutionary: His life in exchange for others' freedom. The preposition 'for' (anti) means 'in place of' — Christ's death is a payment rendered on behalf of those held captive. He pays; they go free. This is the heart of the gospel.
What We're Ransomed From
Peter specifies what believers are redeemed from: 'your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers' (1 Peter 1:18) — empty, futile, inherited patterns of life apart from God. The ransom liberates from sin's penalty (death), sin's power (bondage), and sin's futility (meaninglessness). Christ's blood — not corruptible silver or gold — is the ransom price sufficient for all.
Ransom and Freedom
The ransom metaphor emphasizes that salvation is costly and liberating. It cost Christ His life. It sets captives free. Paul tells believers, 'Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body' (1 Corinthians 6:20). Freedom purchased at such cost should never be used carelessly. The ransomed belong to their Redeemer — freed from sin to serve the one who paid their price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ransom in the Bible?
A ransom (lutron) is the price paid to release a captive. Jesus gave His life as 'a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45) — His death is the payment that frees humanity from sin's bondage, penalty, and futility.
To whom was the ransom paid?
Scripture emphasizes the cost and result of the ransom rather than specifying a recipient. The focus is that Christ's sacrifice satisfied divine justice, defeated Satan's claims, and set captives free. The ransom addresses sin's legal, spiritual, and cosmic dimensions.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Ransom (Lutron)"?
Mark 10:45 — "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (KJV). It also appears in 1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Peter 1:18.
Why does the Greek word behind "Ransom (Lutron)" matter?
Lutron comes from luō, meaning 'to loose' or 'to release.' A lutron is the price paid to set someone free — the ransom money that purchases a prisoner's release or a slave's freedom. English uses one word, "Ransom (Lutron)", where the Greek λύτρον (lutron) carries the fuller sense: the price paid for release — the cost of freeing a captive or slave from bondage.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Ransom (Lutron) (λύτρον (lutron))
The price paid for release — the cost of freeing a captive or slave from bondage.
Strong's G3083 — Ransom (Lutron)
λύτρον (lutron) • The price paid for release — the cost of freeing a captive or slave from bondage.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Mark 10:45 Commentary
In-depth study • Servant Leadership and Ransom
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Prayer & Worship
What Is the Meaning of Communion?
Prayer & Worship
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