redemption

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it is the right to buy back land or a person, or the money paid to free a life. In the Psalms and Prophets it is God saving His people: "plenteous redemption" is with Him.

Interpretation. The land laws say land can never be sold forever, because it belongs to God; later tradition uses "redemption" for God freeing Israel, and hopes for a final redemption. Psalm 49 says a person cannot pay enough to redeem a soul, and Isaiah speaks of God's year of redemption.

Meaning

The act of buying back or setting free, or the price paid for it. tree →

Examples

• And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land. (Torah LEV.25.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses took the redemption-money from them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites; (Torah NUM.3.49, JPS 1917) tree →
• If there be laid on him a ransom, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. (Torah EXO.21.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• For too costly is the redemption of their soul, and must be let alone for ever — (Writings PSA.49.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• For the day of vengeance that was in My heart, and My year of redemption are come. (Prophets ISA.63.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. (Writings PSA.130.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A record of the Judaism dictionary, written from the corpus.