Redemption
גְּאֻלָּה (Geullah) / ἀπολύτρωσις (Apolytrōsis)
The act of buying back; deliverance through payment of a price
Redemption in the Bible means being 'bought back' from slavery to sin through a payment — ultimately, the blood of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most powerful metaphors for salvation in Scripture.
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." — Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)
Key Verses
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”Read in context
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
1 Peter 1:18-19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ.”Read in context
The Concept of Redemption
Redemption comes from the marketplace of the ancient world. To 'redeem' meant to buy back something — particularly to purchase the freedom of a slave or prisoner. The Hebrew 'ga'al' (kinsman-redeemer) and 'padah' (to ransom) both convey this idea of paying a price to secure someone's freedom. In the spiritual realm, redemption means God paying the ultimate price to free humanity from bondage to sin.
The Kinsman-Redeemer
The Old Testament concept of the 'kinsman-redeemer' (go'el) beautifully illustrates redemption. A kinsman-redeemer was a close relative who had the right and responsibility to buy back family land, free relatives from slavery, or avenge a family member's death. The Book of Ruth provides the most beautiful example, with Boaz serving as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer — a powerful foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer.
Redemption Through Christ
The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Redeemer. He paid the redemption price not with gold or silver but with His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). Through His death on the cross, He purchased our freedom from sin, death, and the devil's power. Every believer has been 'bought with a price' (1 Corinthians 6:20) — and that price was the life of God's own Son.
Living as the Redeemed
Understanding redemption transforms how we live. If we have been bought at such an extraordinary price, our lives are no longer our own. We belong to God. This is not a burden but a liberation — freedom from sin's tyranny and freedom to live for the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. The redeemed life is one of gratitude, purpose, and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does redemption mean in Christianity?
In Christianity, redemption means that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross, purchasing our freedom from bondage to sin and death. Just as a slave could be redeemed (bought out of slavery) in the ancient world, Jesus redeemed believers with His own blood, setting them free to live for God.
Who is the kinsman-redeemer in the Bible?
The kinsman-redeemer (go'el in Hebrew) was a close family member who had the right to buy back family property, free relatives from slavery, or avenge wrongs. Boaz served as Ruth's kinsman-redeemer in the Book of Ruth. Jesus Christ is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer who became human (our kinsman) to redeem us from sin.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Redemption"?
Ephesians 1:7 — "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 44:22, 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Redemption" matter?
Redemption comes from the marketplace of the ancient world. English uses one word, "Redemption", where the Hebrew גְּאֻלָּה (Geullah) / ἀπολύτρωσις (Apolytrōsis) carries the fuller sense: the act of buying back; deliverance through payment of a price.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις (Apolytrōsis))
The act of buying back; liberation through payment of a ransom
Boaz in the Bible
The Kinsman Redeemer
Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
Biblical Meaning of Water in a Dream (KJV)
Cleansing, the Spirit, and the Word of God.
Redemption Bible Quiz
The great biblical theme of being bought back — from slavery to sin into the fre
Ruth 4:14 Commentary
In-depth study • Redemption & Providence
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