Redeem (Gaal)
גָּאַל (gaal)
To buy back or rescue by a kinsman — restoring what was lost through payment.
Gaal is the Hebrew word for redeem, meaning to buy back, rescue, or reclaim by a near kinsman. The kinsman-redeemer (goel) paid the price to restore family members, property, or honor — foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work.
"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." — Isaiah 44:22 (KJV)
Key Verses
Isaiah 44:22
“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.”Read in context
Ruth 4:14
“Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.”Read in context
Job 19:25
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H1350 — Redeem (Gaal) (גָּאַל (gaal))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where גָּאַל (gaal) appears.
Open Strong's H1350Etymology and Original Meaning
Gaal means 'to redeem,' 'to buy back,' or 'to act as kinsman.' The goel (redeemer) was a near relative who had the right and responsibility to rescue a family member from slavery, reclaim family property, avenge a murdered relative, or marry a childless widow. Redemption required three things: the right (kinship), the power (resources), and the will (love).
The Kinsman-Redeemer
The book of Ruth beautifully illustrates the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz, a wealthy relative, redeemed Naomi's land and married Ruth, preserving the family line that would produce David and ultimately Christ. The nearer kinsman was unwilling (Ruth 4:6); Boaz was both able and willing. This story is a living parable of Christ's redemption — He has the right, the power, and the love to save.
God as Israel's Redeemer
God declared Himself Israel's goel: 'I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine' (Isaiah 43:1). He redeemed them from Egypt, from Babylon, and from sin. Job's declaration — 'I know that my redeemer liveth' (Job 19:25) — expresses the hope that even in suffering, the living God will vindicate and restore.
Christ Our Kinsman-Redeemer
Christ fulfills the goel perfectly. He became our kinsman through the incarnation (Hebrews 2:14). He had the resources — His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). He had the will — 'who loved me, and gave himself for me' (Galatians 2:20). He bought us back from sin's slavery, restoring what Adam lost and securing an inheritance that can never fade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does redeem mean in the Bible?
Redeem (gaal) means to buy back or rescue, particularly by a kinsman who pays the price. It describes God's action of rescuing His people from bondage, sin, and death through payment.
What is a kinsman-redeemer?
A kinsman-redeemer (goel) was a near relative who rescued family members by buying back property, freeing from slavery, or marrying a widow. Boaz in Ruth is the classic example, foreshadowing Christ.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Redeem (Gaal)"?
Isaiah 44:22 — "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee" (KJV). It also appears in Ruth 4:14, Job 19:25.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Redeem (Gaal)" matter?
Gaal means 'to redeem,' 'to buy back,' or 'to act as kinsman.' The goel (redeemer) was a near relative who had the right and responsibility to rescue a family member from slavery, reclaim family property, avenge a murdered relative, or m… English uses one word, "Redeem (Gaal)", where the Hebrew גָּאַל (gaal) carries the fuller sense: to buy back or rescue by a kinsman — restoring what was lost through payment.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Redeem (Gaal) (גָּאַל (gaal))
To buy back or rescue by a kinsman — restoring what was lost through payment.
Strong's H1350 — Redeem (Gaal)
גָּאַל (gaal) • To buy back or rescue by a kinsman — restoring what was lost through payment.
What Is a Kinsman-Redeemer?
Theology & Doctrine
Boaz in the Bible
The Kinsman Redeemer
Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις (Apolytrōsis))
The act of buying back; liberation through payment of a ransom
Ruth 4:14 Commentary
In-depth study • Redemption & Providence
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