Bible Dictionary
RELEASE
Release may mean cancellation of a debt, exemption from taxation or service, or freedom for a prisoner or slave. Biblical usage includes both Old Testament debt release and New Testament liberation from custody.
Definition
Release means forgiveness or cancellation of a debt, exemption from taxation or service, or freedom for a prisoner or slave. Its meaning depends on the obligation or bondage from which release is granted.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament describes release from debts and from certain burdens of service. Esther uses the term for exemption or rest, while the New Testament uses it for setting a prisoner or slave at liberty.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>re-les': (1) The forgiveness of a debt (shemiTTah (De 15:1,2,9; 31:10; see JUBILEE YEAR)), with verb shamaT, "to release," De 31:2,3. (2) To exempt from taxation or military service (hanachah, "release," "rest" (Es 2:18)). Some would render "granted a holiday." (3) To set a prisoner or slave at liberty (apoluo, "to let go free" (Mt 27:15 parallel Joh 19:10), etc.).</p>