Topical Bible: Savior

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Savior" in the Bible refers primarily to God as the deliverer of His people and, in the New Testament, specifically to Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of humanity. The concept of a savior is central to Christian theology, emphasizing God's intervention in human history to rescue and restore His creation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for savior is "yasha," which means to deliver or save. God is frequently depicted as the Savior of Israel, delivering them from their enemies and from bondage. For example, in Isaiah 43:11, God declares, "I, I am the LORD, and there is no Savior besides Me" . This underscores the belief that salvation is an act of divine intervention, not human effort.

The role of a savior is also seen in the judges and kings whom God raised up to deliver Israel from oppression. Figures like Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, and David, who secured the kingdom, are seen as instruments of God's saving power.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Greek word for savior is "soter," and it is used predominantly to refer to Jesus Christ. The angel's announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:11 proclaims, "Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord" . This declaration identifies Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of a coming deliverer.

Jesus' role as Savior is central to the Gospel message. His life, death, and resurrection are seen as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. In John 4:42, the Samaritans recognize Jesus as "the Savior of the world" , highlighting the universal scope of His mission.

Theological Significance

The title "Savior" emphasizes the grace and mercy of God in providing a means of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . Salvation is thus understood as a gift, not earned by human merit but granted through faith in Jesus Christ.

The concept of Jesus as Savior also underscores His unique role in the divine plan of redemption. Acts 4:12 affirms, "Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" . This exclusivity is a cornerstone of Christian belief, asserting that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity.

Practical Implications

For believers, acknowledging Jesus as Savior involves a personal response of faith and repentance. Romans 10:9-10 instructs, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" . This confession is both an acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship and a commitment to follow Him.

The recognition of Jesus as Savior also carries ethical implications, calling believers to live in a manner that reflects their redeemed status. Titus 2:11-12 teaches, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age" .

In summary, the concept of Savior in the Bible is rich with theological and practical significance, centering on God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ and calling believers to a life of faith and obedience.

ATS Bible Dictionary

Savior

Is a term applied preeminently to our Lord Jesus Christ, because, as the angel expressed it, he came to "save his people from their sins," Matthew 1:21. He was therefore called JESUS, which signifies Savior, John 4:42 Acts 4:15 5:31.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) One who saves, preserves, or delivers from destruction or danger.

2. (v.) Specifically: The (or our, your, etc.) Savior, he who brings salvation to men; Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.

Greek

4990. soter -- a savior, deliverer
... a savior, deliverer. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: soter Phonetic
Spelling: (so-tare') Short Definition: a savior, deliverer, preserver ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4990.htm - 7k

4992. soterios -- saving, bringing salvation
... Cognate: 4992 (a substantival adjective derived from 4990 , "Savior") -- properly,
of salvation (" salvation"), emphasizing the direct application of God's ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4992.htm - 7k

4982. sozo -- to save
... sin -- (). 4982 () is the root of: 4990 ("Savior"), 4991 ("salvation") and
the adjectival form, 4992 (what is "rescued destruction ").]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4982.htm - 10k

Strong's Hebrew

3467. yasha -- to deliver
... 2), endowed with salvation (1), gained the victory (1), help (9), helped (5), preserve
(1), safe (1), save (85), saved (33), saves (5), savior (13), surely ...
/hebrew/3467.htm - 6k

Library

What a Wonderful Savior. PM
... 199 What a Wonderful Savior. PM. ... Christ has for sin atonement made, What a wonderful
Savior! We are redeem'd, the price is paid, What a wonderful Savior! ...
/.../lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/199 what a wonderful savior.htm

My Savior, on the Word of Truth
... My Savior, on the word of truth. CM "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and
in His word do I hope." " Psalm 130:5. My Savior, on the word of truth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/waring/hymns and meditations/my savior on the word.htm

"Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us. "
... "SAVIOR, LIKE A SHEPHERD, LEAD US.". Savior, like a shepherd, lead us,
Much we need Thy tend'rest care, In Thy pleasant pastures ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/savior like a shepherd lead.htm

My Savior Whose Infinite Grace
... My Savior whose infinite grace. 8,8,8,8a ... My Savior whose infinite grace. Most
kindly encompasses me,. Whose goodness more brightly I trace,. ...
/.../waring/hymns and meditations/my savior whose infinite grace.htm

Savior, Blessed Savior
... VI. PROCESSIONALS Processionals 527. Savior, blessed Savior. 6.5.6.5.D. [2073]Asaph: ...
Godfrey Thring, 1862. Savior, blessed Savior,. Listen while we sing,. ...
/.../processionals 527 savior blessed savior.htm

Savior! when in Dust to Thee
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Ash Wednesday and Lent 130. Savior! when in dust to thee.
Eight 7's ... Robert Grant, 1815; Alt. Savior! when in dust to thee. ...
/.../ash wednesday and lent 130.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... THE OLD TESTAMENT CHAPTER VIII. JOSEPH"THE SAVIOR OF HIS PEOPLE. The famine
reached even to the fruitful land of Canaan, and Jacob ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

O Savior, Precious Savior
... VI. PROCESSIONALS Processionals 526. O Savior, precious Savior. 7.6.7.6.D. ... Frances
R. Havergal, 1870. O Savior, precious Savior,. Whom yet unseen we love! ...
/.../processionals 526 o savior precious.htm

Precious Savior Thou Dost Save Me
... Ts'hayilth Staylim 36 PRECIOUS SAVIOR THOU DOST SAVE ME. ALKOMAYLUM 1
Ay-e tal skwilawal whulam ta Jesus; Ay-e tal skwilawal tomuk ...
/.../various/indian methodist hymn-book/36 precious savior thou dost.htm

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
... SACRAMENTS AND RITES Catechism 355. Savior, like a shepherd lead us. 8.7.8.7.4.7 ...
Anonymous, 1836. Savior, like a shepherd lead us,. Much we need thy tender care; ...
/.../catechism 355 savior like a.htm

Thesaurus

Savior (60 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) Specifically: The (or our, your, etc.) Savior, he who brings salvation
to men; Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. ...Savior (60 Occurrences). ...
/s/savior.htm - 23k

Richly (26 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Titus 3:6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ
our Savior; (WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV). Hebrews 10:35 ...
/r/richly.htm - 13k

Ptolemy
... Those of interest to the Biblical student are: (1) Ptolemy I, surnamed Soter, (Soter,
"Savior"), called also Ptolemy Lagi, was born circa 366 BC, the son of ...
/p/ptolemy.htm - 17k

Appearing (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ
Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through ...
/a/appearing.htm - 12k

Water (4571 Occurrences)
... (haima kai hudor): The remarkable passage (John 19:34) from which this expression
is taken refers to the piercing of the Savior's side by the soldier. ...
/w/water.htm - 23k

Forever (426 Occurrences)
... (WEB). 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (WEB NIV). ...
/f/forever.htm - 36k

Blood (435 Occurrences)
... (haima kai hudor): The remarkable passage (John 19:34) from which this expression
is taken refers to the piercing of the Savior's side by the soldier. ...
/b/blood.htm - 54k

Commandment (209 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God
our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope; (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS). ...
/c/commandment.htm - 47k

Amen (74 Occurrences)
... Amen. (WEB KJV WBS YLT). 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. ...
/a/amen.htm - 32k

Escaped (94 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through
the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in ...
/e/escaped.htm - 37k

Resources

Why do we need a Savior? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior? | GotQuestions.org

Why do people reject Jesus as their Savior? | GotQuestions.org

Savior: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Savior (60 Occurrences)

Luke 1:47
My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 2:11
For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

John 4:42
They said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 5:31
God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 13:23
Of this man's offspring hath God, according to his promise, raised up to Israel a Savior, Jesus:
(WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope;
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Timothy 2:3
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Timothy 4:10
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Timothy 1:10
but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 1:3
but in his own time revealed his word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 1:4
to Titus, my true child according to a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 2:10
not stealing, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 2:13
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ;
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 3:4
But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Titus 3:6
whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 1:11
For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 2:20
For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 3:2
that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 John 4:14
We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Jude 1:25
to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 32:15
But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. Then he forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
(See NIV)

Judges 3:9
When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
(WEB)

Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised them up a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.
(WEB)

2 Samuel 22:3
God, my rock, in him I will take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

2 Samuel 22:47
Yahweh lives! Blessed be my rock! Exalted be God, the rock of my salvation,
(See NIV)

2 Kings 13:5
(Yahweh gave Israel a savior, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians; and the children of Israel lived in their tents as before.
(WEB WBS RSV)

1 Chronicles 16:35
And say ye: 'Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks unto Thy holy name, that we may triumph in Thy praise.'
(See NIV)

Psalms 17:7
Make passing great Thy mercies, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand from assailants them that take refuge in Thee.
(See NAS RSV)

Psalms 18:46
Yahweh lives; and blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation,
(See NIV)

Psalms 24:5
He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation.
(See NIV)

Psalms 25:5
Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long.
(See NIV)

Psalms 27:9
Don't hide your face from me. Don't put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don't abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation.
(See NIV)

Psalms 38:22
Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.
(See NIV)

Psalms 42:5
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.
(See NIV)

Psalms 42:11
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.
(See NIV)

Psalms 43:5
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God.
(WEB NIV)

Psalms 65:5
By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are far away on the sea;
(See NIV)

Psalms 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.
(See NIV)

Psalms 79:9
Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's sake.
(See NIV)

Psalms 85:4
Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.
(See NIV)

Psalms 89:26
He will call to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation!'
(See NIV)

Psalms 106:21
They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,
(WEB WBS NAS RSV)

Isaiah 17:10
For you have not given honour to the God of your salvation, and have not kept in mind the Rock of your strength; for this cause you made a garden of Adonis, and put in it the vine-cuttings of a strange god;
(See NIV)

Isaiah 19:20
It will be for a sign and for a witness to Yahweh of Armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to Yahweh because of oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a defender, and he will deliver them.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 43:3
For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 43:11
I myself am Yahweh; and besides me there is no savior.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 45:15
Most certainly you are a God who hid yourself, God of Israel, the Savior.'"
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 45:21
Declare and present it. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has shown this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Haven't I, Yahweh? There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior; There is no one besides me.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 49:26
I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 60:16
You shall also suck the milk of the nations, and shall nurse from royal breasts; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 62:11
The Lord has sent out word to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, See, your saviour comes; those whom he has made free are with him, and those to whom he has given salvation go before him.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 63:8
For he said, "Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely:" so he was their Savior.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 14:8
You hope of Israel, its Savior in the time of trouble, why should you be as a foreigner in the land, and as a wayfaring man who turns aside to stay for a night?
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Hosea 13:4
"Yet I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; and you shall acknowledge no god but me, and besides me there is no savior.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look to Yahweh. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
(See NIV)

Habakkuk 3:18
yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Savior

Related Terms

Deliverers (3 Occurrences)

Govern (21 Occurrences)

Manifold (23 Occurrences)

Savior (60 Occurrences)

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

Adversaries (93 Occurrences)

Distressed (70 Occurrences)