Delivered (4506) (rhuomai [word study] or ruomai or rhyomai is derived from rhúo = to draw, drag along the ground) means to draw or snatch to oneself and invariably refers to a snatching from danger, evil or an enemy. This basic idea is that of bringing someone out of severe and acute danger, and so to save, rescue, deliver, preserve. Rhuomai emphasizes greatness of peril from which deliverance is given by a mighty act of power. In the NT rhuomai is always associated with God as the Deliverer and with a person as the object of His deliverance. Rhuomai was used in a secular writing to describe a soldier going to a wounded comrade on the battlefield and carrying him to safety (he runs to the cry of his comrade to rescue him from the hands of the enemy) (Godet) Rhuomai is used 17 times in 15v in the NAS - Matt. 6:13; 27:43; Lk. 1:74; Ro. 7:24; 11:26; 15:31; 2 Co. 1:10; Col 1:13; 1Th 1:10; 2Th 3:2; 2Ti 3:11; 4:17f; 2Pe 2:7, 9 and is translated in the NAS as: Deliverer, 1; deliver, 3; delivered, 1; rescue, 3; rescued, 7; rescues, 1; set...free, 1. It is interesting that seven of the 17 NT uses of rhuomai are actually OT quotes or allusions to the OT! NIDNTT notes that rhuomai is found in found in classic Greek. from Homer onwards and also in inscriptions and papyri. It is used of deliverance and keeping by both the gods and men. (1) Ajax prayed to “Father Zeus” to save (rhuomai) the Achaians from the dark night (Homer, Il. 17, 645). “Only Zeus and the other gods saved (rhuomai) thee”, cried Achilles to Aeneas (Il. 20, 194). Such deliverance extends not only to individuals in battle, but to various dangers, afflictions and also the protection of property (Il. 15, 257, 290; Hdt. 1, 87 ek tou kakou, “from evil”; 5, 49; 9, 76; 4, 187; 6, 7; 7, 217; other instances in W. Kasch, rhyomai, TDNT VI 1000). (2) On the human level the verb. is applied to the action of princes in delivering cities and countries (Homer, Il. 9, 396), women and children (Il. 17, 224), the outcast (Soph., OC 285). Moreover, rhuomai can be used of inanimate objects. Thus, walls (Il. 18, 515), helmets (Il. 10, 259), and armour (Il. 23, 819) are said to protect. On the other hand, Odysseus cannot save his comrades who have destroyed themselves by sin (Od. 1,6f.), and there are cases where not even the gods can save (Il., 15, 141; Od. 12, 107; Aesch., Sept. 91; cf. W. Kasch, ibid.). (Brown, Colin, Editor. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 1986. Zondervan) Rhuomai means to rescue, deliver, as when we first became believers and the Lord... delivered (rhuomai) us from the domain (exousia = the right and the might = executive power, jurisdiction) of darkness (skotos = spiritual darkness ruled by Satan, Acts 26:18, Ep 2:2-note), and transferred (removed us from. one place to another, causing a change in someone's official position) us to the kingdom (denoting sovereignty, royal power, dominion) of His beloved Son" (Col 1:13-note) Comment: Since rhuomai means to draw to oneself, here we see the great picture that God drew us out of Satan’s kingdom to Himself. That event was the new birth. We are not gradually, progressively delivered from Satan’s power. When we placed our faith in Christ, we were instantly delivered. A great example is wading in a rushing river and suddenly being caught in the current utterly helpless. As you cry out someone hears you and holds out their hand as you go rushing by. As you lie their beside the river safe in the presence of the one who pulled you out, you still are in the presence of the dangerous rushing current...you can hear it...you can see it...but you've been delivered from danger you are now safe. How foolish to walk right back into that current and let it sweep you away! Jesus when ask by his disciples how they should pray gave as part of his answer that they should ask... And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver (rhuomai - in the form of a command) us from evil. (Mt 6:13-note) Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, spoke of the prophecies given by God... To show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant (overview of covenant), the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being delivered (rhuomai) from the hand of our enemies, (not the purpose of this great rescue was so that we) might serve (click study of latreuo) Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. (Luke 1:73, 74, 75) Paul used rhuomai two times earlier in Romans (Ro 7:24-note, Ro 11:26-note) Writing to to the Corinthians Paul used rhuomai three times describing deliverance, explaining that God... delivered (past) us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver (future) us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver (more distant future) us, (2Cor 1:10). Comment: God delivered Paul from this past affliction, would continue to deliver him from the same or similar afflictions in the future, and would always deliver him. Paul described the Gentile believers in Thessalonica who had turned to God from idols to as those who were waiting... for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers (rhuomai) us from the wrath (holy revulsion of God’s being against that which is the contradiction of his holiness) to come." (1Th 1:10-note) Comment: Rhuomai is in the present tense indicating that is our Savior continually delivers us. The middle voice is reflexive {"He Himself rescues us"} and emphasize His personal involvement in the rescue. He initiates the and participates in the carrying out of the rescue. Paul asked the Thessalonian saints to pray... that the word of the Lord (might) spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with (the Thessalonian saints) and that (he, Timothy and Silas might) be delivered (rhuomai) from perverse (“out of place,” = what is unbecoming or inappropriate) and evil (poneros= malignant, aggressively wicked) men; for not all have faith." (2Th 3:1, 2) Paul used rhuomai three times in some of his last recorded words testifying that even though he had experienced.. persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered (rhuomai) me!...At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered (rhuomai - past tense deliverance) out of the lion's mouth. The Lord will deliver (rhuomai = his assurance of future tense deliverance was under girded by the deliverances the Lord had brought in the past - we too can be fully confident no matter what evil, peril or difficulty He has allowed in our life) me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2Ti 3:11, 4:17, 18-see notes 2Ti 3:11, 4:17, 18) Peter encourages the saints writing that if God... rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day with their lawless deeds), then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment." (2Pe 2:7, 8, 9- see notes 2Pe 2:7-8; 2:9) Kenneth Wuest commenting on the last of Paul's deliverances (2T 4:17-note), writes that... The word deliver (rhuomai) is from a very tender word in the Greek text. It means “to draw to one’s self out of harm’s way.” Paul was standing alone before the great tribunal, yet not alone, for the unseen Christ, standing at his side, drew Paul to Himself out of harm’s way." (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : Grand Rapids: Eerdmans) Will He not do the same for us beloved...drawing us to His side as He snatches us time and again from the "lion's mouth"! (Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Studies in the Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament) Rhuomai is used 189 times in the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT (Septuagint = LXX). Below are some of the OT uses to help you see the meaning this great verb rhuomai. Remember to read the verses in context for optimal accuracy in interpretation. Take note of who or what is delivered, what the deliverance is from and how often rhuomai is part of a prayer (this truth really expands the meaning of the use in the "Lord's Prayer" Mt 6:13-note). Finally note how often rhuomai is used in the Psalms (60/189 occurrences in the NASB). Note also that the Septuagint (LXX) also uses rhuomai to translate "redeem" or "Redeemer". Ge 48:16 The Angel (in context this person is Angel of the LORD = preincarnate Christ) who has redeemed (Hebrew = goel [first use in Scripture], Lxx = rhuomai) me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth." Ex 6:6 "Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver (rhuomai) you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Ex 12:27 that you shall say, 'It is a Passover sacrifice to the LORD who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spared (delivered - rhuomai) our homes.'" And the people bowed low and worshiped. Ex 14:30 Thus the LORD saved (rhuomai) Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Jdg 6:9-note 'And I delivered (rhuomai) you from the hands of the Egyptians and from the hands of all your oppressors, and dispossessed them before you and gave you their land, Jdg 8:34-note Thus the sons of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered (rhuomai) them from the hands of all their enemies on every side; 2Sa 12:7 Nathan then said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered (rhuomai) you from the hand of Saul. 2Sa 22:18 "He delivered (rhuomai) me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. Neh 9:28 "But as soon as they had rest, they did evil again before Thee; Therefore Thou didst abandon them to the hand of their enemies, so that they ruled over them. When they cried again to Thee, Thou didst hear from heaven, And many times Thou didst rescue (rhuomai) them according to Thy compassion, Ps 6:4-note Return, O LORD, rescue (rhuomai) my soul; Save me because of Thy lovingkindness. (This introduces a new synonym for salvation, connoting an action of drawing off or out) Ps 7:1-note Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. O Lord my God, in Thee I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver (rhuomai) me, Ps 17:13-note Arise, O LORD, confront him, bring him low; Deliver (rhuomai) my soul from the wicked with Thy sword, Ps 18:1-note For the choir director. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered (rhuomai) him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said, "I Love Thee, O LORD, my strength." Ps 18:17-note He delivered (rhuomai) me from my strong enemy, And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. Ps 18:19-note He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued (rhuomai) me, because He delighted in me. Ps 18:43-note Thou hast delivered (rhuomai) me from the contentions of the people; Thou hast placed me as head of the nations; A people whom I have not known serve me. Ps 18:48-note He delivers me from my enemies; Surely Thou dost lift me above those who rise up against me; Thou dost rescue (rhuomai) me from the violent man. Ps 22:4-note In Thee our fathers trusted; They trusted, and Thou didst deliver (rhuomai) them. Ps 22:20-note Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog. Ps 25:20-note Guard my soul and deliver (rhuomai) me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in Thee. Ps 31:1-note For the choir director. A Psalm of David. In Thee, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Thy righteousness deliver (rhuomai) me. Ps 31:15-note My times are in Thy hand; Deliver (rhuomai) me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Ps 34:4-note I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered (rhuomai) me from all my fears. Ps 34:7-note The Angel of the LORD (in context this person is Angel of the LORD = Christ) encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues (rhuomai) them. Ps 34:17-note The righteous cry and the LORD hears, And delivers (rhuomai) them out of all their troubles. Ps 34:19-note Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the LORD delivers (rhuomai) him out of them all. Ps 39:8-note Deliver (rhuomai) me from all my transgressions; Make me not the reproach of the foolish. Ps 40:13-note Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver (rhuomai) me; Make haste, O LORD, to help me. Ps 41:1-note For the choir director. A Psalm of David. How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The LORD will deliver (rhuomai) him in a day of trouble. Ps 43:1-note Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; O deliver (rhuomai) me from the deceitful and unjust man! Ps 50:22-note "Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver (rhuomai). Ps 51:14-note Deliver (rhuomai) me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Thy righteousness. Ps 56:13-note For Thou hast delivered (rhuomai) my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living. Ps 59:2-note Deliver (rhuomai) me from those who do iniquity, And save me from men of bloodshed. Ps 69:14-note Deliver (rhuomai) me from the mire, and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes, and from the deep waters. Ps 69:18-note Oh draw near to my soul and redeem it; Ransom (rhuomai) me because of my enemies! Ps 71:2-note In Thy righteousness deliver (rhuomai) me, and rescue (exaireo) me; Incline Thine ear to me, and save me. Ps 71:4-note Rescue (rhuomai) me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man, Ps 72:12-note For he will deliver (rhuomai) the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. Ps 79:9-note Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name; And deliver (rhuomai) us, and forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake. Ps 81:7-note "You called in trouble, and I rescued (rhuomai) you; I answered you in the hiding place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribah. Selah. Ps 82:4-note Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver (rhuomai) them out of the hand of the wicked. Ps 86:13-note For Thy lovingkindness toward me is great, And Thou hast delivered (rhuomai) my soul from the depths of Sheol. Ps 91:3-note For it is He who delivers (rhuomai) you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence. Ps 97:10-note Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers (rhuomai) them from the hand of the wicked. Ps 106:43-note Many times He would deliver (rhuomai) them; They, however, were rebellious in their counsel, And so sank down in their iniquity. Ps 107:6-note Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He delivered (rhuomai) them out of their distresses. Ps 107:20-note He sent His word and healed them, And delivered (rhuomai) them from their destructions. Ps 109:21-note But Thou, O God, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Thy name's sake; Because Thy lovingkindness is good, deliver (rhuomai) me; Ps 119:170-note Let my supplication come before Thee; Deliver (rhuomai) me according to Thy word. Ps 120:2-note Deliver (rhuomai) my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, From a deceitful tongue. Ps 140:1-note For the choir director. A Psalm of David. Rescue me (rhuomai), O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men, Ps 142:6-note "Give heed to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver (rhuomai) me from my persecutors, For they are too strong for me. Ps 144:7-note Stretch forth Thy hand from on high; Rescue (exaireo) me and deliver (rhuomai) me out of great waters, Out of the hand of aliens Ps 144:11- note Rescue (rhuomai) me, and deliver (exaireo) me out of the hand of aliens, Whose mouth speaks deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. Pr 10:2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers (rhuomai) from death. Ps 11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the treacherous will be caught by their own greed. Pr 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver (rhuomai) them. Isa 47:4 Our Redeemer (Deliverer = rhuomai), the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel. Isa 54:5 "For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer (Deliverer = rhuomai) is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth. Compared to "save" (sozo), "rhuomai" is more the idea of rescue or draw to oneself whereas "sozo" (save) is more the idea of preserve from. Today in the Word has the following illustration of a rescue which still pales in comparison to the believer's rescue from the dominion of sin and Satan... Rescue of a Wing Walker: Wing-walker Lee Oman slipped from his perch underneath a Waco biplane and dangled from a safety line 1500 feet over the Hillsboro, Oregon, airport during an air show. At first, everyone in the crowd of 40,000 thought the fall was part of Oman’s daring midair act. But after the plane had circled the airport for 20 minutes, it was obvious something had gone wrong. Oman had fallen and didn’t have the strength to pull himself back up. When they saw what was happening, several men jumped into a pickup truck and sped onto the runway. The pilot of the biplane saw the truck and realized what the would-be rescuers had in mind. He gently lowered his dangling human cargo over the vehicle until Oman was within reach. While one man grabbed Oman and pulled him into the truck bed, another cut the wing-walker’s nylon safety harness. Oman was free of the plane’s deadly grasp. Vance Havner tells the following story... Christ is my message. Some years ago, two boats were passing each other on the Mississippi, when an old [gentleman] said to a ... passenger as he pointed to the other boat, "Look, yonder's the captain!" When asked for an explanation, he said, "Years ago, we were goin' along like this and I fell overboard and the captain rescued me. And since then, I just loves to point him out! This study of rhuomai reminds me of Fanny Crosby hymn Rescue the Perishing Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save. In another famous hymn we encounter the idea of rescue... Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I’ve come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/romans_1527-33.htm#deliver