The meaning of “גָּאַל”
Understanding gâʼal reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ra...
גָּאַל
[idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. - to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.) 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 48:16 | “The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Word: גָּאַל (gâʼal) | |
| Numbers 35:21 | “Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.” Word: גָּאַל (gâʼal) | |
| Ruth 4:3 | “And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s:” Word: גָּאַל (gâʼal) | |
| Job 19:25 | “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” Word: גָּאַל (gâʼal) | |
| Isaiah 49:26 | “And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. ” Word: גָּאַל (gâʼal) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Redeem
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
The Hebrew gaal (גָּאַל) means to redeem or act as kinsman-redeemer (go'el)—buying back family property or relatives. It foreshadows Christ redeeming His people through His blood.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To redeem, ransom
The Greek lutroo (λυτρόω) means to redeem or ransom—purchasing freedom by paying a price. Christ redeemed us 'with the precious blood' (1 Peter 1:18-19), the ransom for sin.