UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to set free, to liberate, to deliver, liberation, deliverance

Semantic entry: 37.128

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Release, Set Free

Definition: to release or set free, with the implied analogy to the process of freeing a slave{N:001}

Notes: In a number of languages one cannot speak of ‘being set free’ without specifying the particular manner or circumstances involved. In the case of RV LUK 24:21 · LV LUK 24:21 · Read together LUK 24:21, for example, it may be necessary to translate ‘to liberate Israel’ as ‘to cause Israel to be free from foreign control’ or ‘… from the power of Rome.’ A similar type of translation may be required in RV LUK 2:38 · LV LUK 2:38 · Read together LUK 2:38, but in the case of RV EPH 1:7 · LV EPH 1:7 · Read together EPH 1:7 it may be necessary to specify ‘we are set free from sin’ or ‘we are set free from our bad desires.’