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    Salvation

    יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) / σωτηρία (Sōtēria)

    God's deliverance from sin and its consequences

    Hebrew
    Strong's G4991
    Pronunciation: yeh-shoo-AH / so-tay-REE-ah
    Quick Answer

    Salvation in the Bible refers to God's act of rescuing humanity from sin, death, and judgment. The Hebrew 'yeshuah' — the root of the name Jesus — means deliverance, while the Greek 'sōtēria' conveys rescue and preservation.

    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Ephesians 2:8-9

    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
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    Acts 4:12

    “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
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    Psalm 27:1

    “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G4991 — Salvation (יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) / σωτηρία (Sōtēria))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) / σωτηρία (Sōtēria) appears.

    Open Strong's G4991

    The Meaning of Salvation

    The Hebrew 'yeshuah' means deliverance, rescue, or victory. Remarkably, it is the root of the name 'Yeshua' (Jesus), meaning 'God saves.' The Greek 'sōtēria' carries the sense of rescue from danger, preservation, and restoration to wholeness. Biblical salvation is comprehensive — it addresses the past penalty of sin, the present power of sin, and the future presence of sin.

    Salvation in the Old Testament

    In the Old Testament, salvation primarily referred to God's physical deliverance of His people from enemies, oppression, and danger. The Exodus — God rescuing Israel from Egypt — is the supreme Old Testament picture of salvation. Yet even in these physical deliverances, spiritual salvation was foreshadowed. The sacrificial system, the prophetic promises of a coming Savior, and the hope of a restored relationship with God all pointed forward to the ultimate salvation that would come through the Messiah.

    Salvation Through Christ

    The New Testament reveals that salvation comes exclusively through Jesus Christ. His name itself declares His mission: 'thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins' (Matthew 1:21). Salvation is received by grace through faith — it is God's gift, not human achievement. It includes justification (being declared righteous), sanctification (being made holy), and glorification (being perfected in eternity).

    The Assurance of Salvation

    One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is the assurance of salvation. Jesus declared, 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish' (John 10:27-28). Salvation is not something believers must anxiously maintain through performance — it is secured by God's faithfulness and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does salvation mean in the Bible?

    Salvation in the Bible means God's act of delivering people from sin, its consequences (death and judgment), and restoring them to a right relationship with Himself. It is accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and received through faith as a free gift of grace.

    Is the name Jesus related to the word salvation?

    Yes. The name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) literally means 'God saves' or 'God is salvation.' It shares the same root as the Hebrew word for salvation (yeshuah). The angel told Joseph, 'thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins' (Matthew 1:21).

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Salvation"?

    Ephesians 2:8-9 — "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (KJV). It also appears in Acts 4:12, Psalm 27:1.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Salvation" matter?

    The Hebrew 'yeshuah' means deliverance, rescue, or victory. English uses one word, "Salvation", where the Hebrew יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) / σωτηρία (Sōtēria) carries the fuller sense: god's deliverance from sin and its consequences.

    Related Words

    Redemption
    Grace
    Justification

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    Word Meaning

    Salvation (σωτηρία (Sōtēria) / יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah))

    Deliverance from sin, death, and judgment through God's power

    Strong's

    Strong's G4991 — Salvation

    σωτηρία (Sōtēria) / יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) • Deliverance from sin, death, and judgment through God's power

    Word Meaning

    Grace (χάρις (Charis))

    Unmerited favor from God; His free gift of salvation and blessing

    Strong's

    Strong's G5485 — Grace

    χάρις (Charis) • Unmerited favor from God; His free gift of salvation and blessing

    Q&A

    What Does 'Saved by Grace Through Faith' Mean?

    Sin & Salvation

    Hymn

    Amazing Grace

    John Newton • 1779

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