The Hebrew noun peduth refers to redemption or deliverance — the act of releasing someone from bondage, danger, or obligation through payment or powerful intervention. It is closely related to padah (to redeem) and geulah (kinsman-redeemer's action).
Peduth is one of the summit words of Old Testament soteriology. Psalm 111:9 declares: 'He provided redemption (peduth) for his people' — a statement of completed act, not ongoing process. This word captures the Exodus as the paradigm of all divine saving action: Israel was enslaved, could not free themselves, and God intervened with power to redeem. The great distinction between peduth and human rescue is that God redeems without being owed anything; His redemption is entirely gracious. Psalm 130:7 connects peduth with covenant love (chesed): 'with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.' In the New Testament, the Greek lytron (ransom) corresponds precisely — Christ provides the ultimate peduth.