Footnote

a In the Bible, the original words translated “ransom” convey the idea of a price, or thing of value, that is paid. For example, the Hebrew verb ka·pharʹ basically means “cover.” (Genesis 6:​14) It usually refers to the covering of sin. (Psalm 65:3) The related noun koʹpher refers to the price paid to accomplish this covering, or redemption. (Exodus 21:30) Similarly, the Greek word lyʹtron, which is usually translated “ransom,” can also be rendered “redemption-price.” (Matthew 20:28; The New Testament in Modern Speech, by R. F. Weymouth) Greek writers used the term to refer to a payment given to ransom a prisoner of war or to release a slave.