Redemption
By Nick Bibile

The English word redemption comes from the Latin redimō, meaning “to buy back” or “to purchase again.” In the New Testament, several Greek terms are used to describe this glorious doctrine, all emphasizing the idea of acquiring something by the payment of a price. Redemption, therefore, is not merely deliverance—it is deliverance accomplished through a costly purchase.

One key Greek word is agorazō, which simply means “to buy.” This term is used to describe how believers are “bought unto God” by the blood of Christ. Scripture declares that the redeemed are purchased from the earth, from among men, and bought with a price—the precious blood of Christ. The church of God itself is said to be purchased with His own blood.

Greek word: agorazō
Revelation 5:9
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

Acts 20:28
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

The value of Christ’s atonement is infinite—sufficient to save all mankind—yet its saving efficacy is applied particularly to the elect.

Another important term is exagorazō, a compound word meaning “to buy out” or “to redeem out from.” It conveys the idea of being delivered from bondage or rescued out of the hands of another. In this sense, redemption speaks of being delivered from the just demands and curse of the law. Because we have violated God’s law in heart, mind, and conduct, we stand condemned under its curse. Yet Christ has redeemed His people from this curse, bearing it in their place and satisfying divine justice.

Greek word: exagorazō
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”

Galatians 4:5
“To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

A third term is lytroō, which carries the meaning of releasing a slave or captive by the payment of a ransom. This word highlights the cost and substitutionary nature of redemption—freedom secured through the giving of a life.

Greek word: lytroō
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Thus, the elect—the saints, the church of God—are not redeemed with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with something infinitely more valuable: the precious blood of Christ. He came into the world to give His life as a ransom for many, securing eternal redemption for His people.