Greek lutron , antilutron (1 Timothy 2:6). ("A price paid for freeing a captive".) Αnti implies vicarious, equivalent substitution, "a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Man was the slave of Satan, sold under sin. He was unable to ransom himself, because absolute obedience is due to God; therefore no act of ours can satisfy for the least offense. Leviticus 25:48 allowed one sold captive to be redeemed by one of his brethren. The Son of God therefore became man in order that as our elder brother He should redeem us (Hebrews 2:14-15). (See REDEEM.)