The Greeks Have A Word For It (Part 1)

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There are two kinds of Greek language, the Classical Greek and the Koine or Common Greek. The New Testament (NT) used the Koine, instead of the Classical.

In earlier years, scholars were confused over the difference between NT Greek and Classical Greek. Some even suggested that NT Greek was a special “Holy Ghost language” created by God just for the Bible. [1]

But archaeology prove them wrong. It turned out that “the Koine Greek of the NT is similar to that spoken by the average man on the street.” [2] That means, given the right tools and training, even a lay person can understand Greek. Also, since Koine Greek is already a “dead” language, (that is, no longer in use) it’s meaning is more or less fixed. Much unlike the English language that is still in use today and is very much dynamic or still changing in meaning.

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Now, talking about redemption, there are three Greek verbs that “emphasize different aspects of redemption.” [3] Putting all of the aspects together, we will have a big picture of what the Bible teaches about redemption.

"The Slave Market is a painting of about 1882 by the 19th century French artist Gustave Boulanger... It depicts an Ancient Roman slave auction." Image credit

The first verb is agorazo, “to purchase in the marketplace.” It is used thirty-one times in the New Testament. This verb was used of men in the Roman world purchasing slaves in the market (agora) The verb speaks of Christ paying the price to purchase those were are slaves of sin and Satan. [4]

According to our Lord Jesus, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave.” (John 8:34, Message) But we “were bought [from agorazo] with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20a)

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Our redemption did not come cheap. “God paid a high price for you” (7:23a) We were bought “with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:19) So, the right response to our redemption is that we are to “glorify God in [our] body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20b). We are also commanded, “don’t be enslaved by the world.” (7:23, NLT) Our high-priced redemption should impact the way we live. 

Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, The Message)

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Significant Step

What was the most expensive thing you’ve bought? Think of how you felt when you bought it. Imagine how God must have felt when He paid the great price for our redemption. 

NOTE: This is Day Two of the devotional guide (Volume 1, Issue 3) of our church, Filinvest Community Christian Fellowship, for the message last Sunday, March 15, on “Know How Much You Are Worth Part 2” (“Significance” series, a verse-by-verse study of the book of Ephesians).

[1] James Huculak, A Manual for New Testament Greek: Zeta Edition Revised and Corrected (QC: ISOT, 2005), 1.  

[2] Ibid.

[3] Earl D. Radmacher, Salvation (TN: Word Publishing, 2000), 57.

[4] Ibid. Italics his. Emphasis added.