Word study · Greek
sōtēr
savior
Say it: so-TARE (approximate)
σωτήρ
What it means
One who rescues or saves. In Luke it is first used by Mary of God (1:47) and then by the angel of Jesus (2:11). In the Roman world "savior" was a title given to emperors and benefactors, so using it for a baby in a feeding trough is a pointed contrast.
Range of meaning
- RescuerOne who saves from danger.
- HealerOne who restores.
- TitleA royal or divine title in the Greek world.
In Luke
- Chapter 1
"My spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (1:47).
- Chapter 2
"A Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (2:11).
Every verse (2)
Verses where G4990 is tagged in the Hebrew text: STEPBible Data (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. About our sources