saviour

Everyday

1. A person who saves someone or something from danger or harm. tree →
2. (church) The Saviour (capital S) is a name Christians use for Jesus Christ, because they believe he saves people from sin and death. tree →
3. (informal) Something that helps a lot just in time: «This umbrella was a saviour!» tree →

In the lessons

In religion lessons and at Christmas, carols and Bible readings call Jesus the Saviour («a Saviour has been born to you»). In stories and sport the saviour rescues the town or wins the match at the last moment. Phrases: «our Saviour», «the saviour of the team», «a real saviour».

Examples

• Christians believe Jesus is the Saviour of the world. tree →
• «Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you.» tree →
• The goalkeeper was the saviour of the match. tree →
• The firefighter was the family's saviour. tree →
• That spare pencil was a lifesaver, a real saviour! tree →
• The new owner was the saviour of the old cinema. tree →
• The High King did not know where exactly he should look for such a saviour, but he was well educated and knew how to look for whatever was lacking. tree →

Note

UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ: saviour; USA: savior (Canada uses both). Capital S for Jesus. Related verb: save. Do not confuse with «savour» (to enjoy the taste).

In Jewish tradition

Here it means God, who rescues Israel from enemies and trouble. It is not used of a human savior from sin.

Interpretation. Jewish tradition reads it as a name for God alone, who rescued Israel from Egypt and will redeem it. Isaiah stresses that there is no other.

Examples

• They forgot God their saviour, who had done great things in Egypt; (Writings PSA.106.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour. (Prophets ISA.43.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Verily Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. (Prophets ISA.45.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ: saviour; USA: savior (Canada uses both). Capital S for Jesus. Related verb: save. Do not confuse with «savour» (to enjoy the taste).