UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to redeem, to set free

Semantic entry: 37.131

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Release, Set Free

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of ἐξαγοράζω ‘to pay a price,’ not occurring in the NT) to cause the release or freedom of someone by a means which proves costly to the individual causing the release

Notes: A literal rendering of ἀγοράζω[b] or ἐξαγοράζω as ‘to release by means of paying a price’ can be misinterpreted in the sense that Christ actually engaged in some kind of monetary transaction. A literal translation may also lead to the mistaken interpretation, which was widespread in the Middle Ages, that in redeeming the believers God actually paid a price to the Devil. Obviously, ἀγοράζω in RV CO1 6:20 · LV CO1 6:20 · Read together CO1 6:20 and ἐξαγοράζω in RV GAL 3:13 · LV GAL 3:13 · Read together GAL 3:13 must be understood in a figurative sense.

Sense 2: to make good use of every opportunity, to take advantage of every chance

Semantic entry: 65.42

Semantic domains: Value

Subdomains: Advantageous, Not Advantageous

Definition: (an idiom, literally: to buy out the time) to take full advantage of any opportunity

Notes: The implication of this statement in RV COL 4:5 · LV COL 4:5 · Read together COL 4:5 is taking advantage of every opportunity to manifest the reality of one’s faith.

Forms: ἐξαγοράζομαι[a]

Collocations: ἐξαγοράζομαι τὸν καιρόν

Sense 3: to work urgently, to redeem the time

Semantic entry: 68.73

Semantic domains: Aspect

Subdomains: Do Intensely or Extensively

Definition: (an idiom, literally: to redeem the time) to do something with intensity and urgency (used absolutely)

Notes: It is also possible to interpret ἐξαγοράζομαι τὸν καιρόν in RV EPH 5:16 · LV EPH 5:16 · Read together EPH 5:16 as ‘to take full advantage of every opportunity’ (see 65.42: ἐξαγοράζω).

Forms: ἐξαγοράζομαι[b]

Collocations: ἐξαγοράζομαι τὸν καιρόν