ἀπεκδεχόμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν τοῦ σώματος ἡμῶν
This verse is classically interpreted as ‘redemption of our bodies’. However given the definition of ἀπολύτρωσιν as ‘Being set free,liberated by payment of a ransom’ I’m confused.
It seems to me this clause could be interpreted in two ways with exact opposite meanings.
redemption of our bodies (ie a renewed and transformed version of this body)
or
liberation from our bodies (ie a complete freedom and release from this body)
Is the body what is liberated, or is it liberation from the body?
hey there,
While the construction makes a genitive of separation possible, I do not think that the context allows it.
Verse 11 says that the Spirit will renew our mortal bodies
Verses 19-22 speak of physical creation… and that it will be freed from its slavery to corruption–this would have to be a physical renewal, would it not? (unless the earth has a spirit, which I do not believe is an option).
I can’t think of any places where Paul advocates a freedom/release from our physical bodies. Instead, he talks about overcoming the flesh and being renewed and regenerated in it. Thus I think that “redemption of our bodies” is a better translation. 