Ransom

The price paid for redemption, that is, for setting something or someone free from some form of obligation or captivity.

Ransom paid for what has been devoted to the Lord

Exodus 13:12–13, Exodus 30:11–16, Exodus 34:20; Leviticus 27:1–33; Numbers 3:40–51, Numbers 18:14–17

Ransom of a person's life instead of punishment

Exodus 21:28–32

If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible. But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death. If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule. If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.

Ransom from poverty and misfortune, including widowhood

See also Leviticus 25:25–28, Leviticus 25:47–55; Ruth 4:1–13; Proverbs 13:8

Limitations on ransom payments

Numbers 35:31–32 See also Leviticus 27:29

You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.

Paying a ransom to God

Psalm 49:7–8 See also Exodus 30:12–16; Job 33:24

No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice,

Promises of redemption for the Lord's ransomed people

Isaiah 51:11 parallel Isaiah 35:10 See also Isaiah 40:2, Isaiah 43:3–5; Jeremiah 31:11; Hosea 13:14

So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

The death of Jesus Christ seen as a ransom

Mark 10:45 parallel Matthew 20:28 See also Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:15; 2 Peter 2:1

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

The priceless value of the ransom of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 See also 1 Corinthians 7:23; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 5:9

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.