What is…
ransom

Greek: λύτρον —transliteration: lutron

This is the price or payment made for our redemption, as when it is said that the Son of man “gave his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28; compare Acts 20:28; Romans 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 3:13; 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19

In all these passages the same idea is expressed). The English word is derived from the French rançon; Latin redemptio. The debt is represented not as cancelled, but as FULLY PAID.

The slave or captive is not liberated by a mere gratuitous favor, but a ransom price has been paid, in consideration of which he is set free. The original owner receives back his alienated and lost possession because he has bought it back “with a price.”

This price or ransom (Greek: lutron) is always said to be Christ, his blood, his death. He secures our redemption by the payment of a ransom. (See REDEMPTION.)

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Article Version: September 29, 2017