[Greek] λύω (luō), [Latin] solvere: to loosen, to destroy, to dissolve, to forgive, to melt, to put off, to release, to prevent, to break, to set free, to undo, to untie; Mk.1:7, Lk.13:15, Act.27:41, Eph.2:14, Act.13:43, Mt. 5:1, Jn.5:18, Mt. 16:19, 1Jn.4:3, Act. 2:24, 1Jn.3:8, Mt. 18:18, Jn. 20:23, 1Cor.7:39, Rom.7:2, Lk. 19:30, Mt. 21:2, Jn. 11:4, Mk. 11:2
The Accolade (painting by Edmund Leighton in 1901): the queen binds the nobleman’s allegiance toward her.
Background Information
Secular binding and loosing: This term is part of the common expression indicating the power (authority) to bind and to release. This expression takes on various meanings, dependent on the time and context in history. Binding and loosing can mean releasing or placing a criminal in prison. Barons (and knights) often would publicly their give their allegiance to their reigning master (king, queen, prince, regent, etc.). Likewise, the master could also have the authority to release his binding authority over the serf. In other words, free the serf.
Old Testament: Loosing refer to several Hebrew terms. This meaning can refer to taking up, carrying off, divesting, clearing away, untying, hiding, removing, destroying, opening, engraving, pleasing, satisfying, unraveling, freeing, and separating. Binding and loosing go hand in hand with authority. The Jews would have understood that this person (David’s prime minister), who holds the keys, would have this authority. The keys controlled access into the temple of David. According to the Rabbis (and Jews), binding and loosing also involved providing and blocking access to the temple (and synagogue), and interpreting and judging rules, laws, obligations, and practices. Essentially, the major aspects of binding and loosing become forbidding and permitting. I will gird him with your sash, confer on him your authority. I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; what he opens, no one will shut, what he shuts, no one will open. (Isa.22:21-22). When you build a new house, put a parapet around the house (Deut.22:8). In every case of dishonest appropriation, the claim of both parties shall be brought before God (Ex. 22:8). Remove your sandals from your feet (Exo.3:5). The Lord your God will clear away the nations before you (Deut.7:22). The king sent and released him (Psa.105:20). That He would would loose His hand and cut me off (Job.6:9). It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things (Dan.2:22).
New Testament: This term, essentially meaning to loosen, is shown in various meanings and senses. Such examples of loosing include untying, setting free, destroying, dismissing, transgressing, permitting, doing away with, putting an end to, releasing, and forgiving. This loosing and binding authority continues in the New Testament. The Pharisees would have bound and released men (Hebrews) at their pleasure. Jesus bestows this authority on the Apostles. However, Peter, as head of the Apostles is given primary authority by Jesus. This loosing (and binding) extends to the removal (forgiveness) of sins. Jn. 20:23 states that the Apostles were given the authority to forgive and retain others’ sins. This authority provides the foundation for the sacrament of reconciliation (penance) by priests in the Catholic Church.
Scripture:
“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Jn. 20:23
Jesus gives His Apostles (and their successors) the authority to forgive sins. The successors of the Apostles are the bishops who come later. It is these bishops who ordain (give this authority) to subsequent priests.
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Mt. 16:19
Jesus gives the keys to Peter. Peter becomes primary gate keeper into the kingdom of heaven. Peter provides an image of Eliakin who was the gate keeper of the temple of David. Jesus gives the Apostles (and their successors) the authority to bind (retain) sins and loose (forgive) sins.
“But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it.” Act. 2:24
Loosing become a form of releasing.
Conclusion:
Loose, loss, loose, less, solve, solution
It is interesting to note that binding and loosing (as a means of authority) has probably been in existence throughout history. We may not realize this, but we see this every time when we see a movie about kings, queens, and knights. “I shall serve you faithfully, your Majesty.” However, I think we are more aware of this concept in a religious context. Since the beginning of time, man has wanted to exert authority over others (slavery, servitude, and serfdom).
Scripture shows where Peter receives his authority upon receiving the keys of the kingdom. Eliakim, the prime minister of David’s palace, received actual keys to control access to the Temple of David. Whereas, Peter receives spiritual keys to control access to the kingdom of heaven. Peter is given primary authority as Jesus’ prime minister. Along with the other Apostles, Jesus gives them the authority to loose (forgive) others’ sins.
In recent and current events, we also hear of situations of “catholic” politicians, for perhaps political reasons, do not advocate what the Catholic Church teaches. Such issues involve abortion and other issues (you know which). These situations can be seen both ways. Priests, bishops, and cardinals, in their ministerial role, state such politicians who do not follow Catholic teachings, should not be given Communion. These priests, bishops, and cardinals seek to bind these politicians from receiving this sacrament. Oftentimes, these ministers get criticized from the political and secular world for following Catholic teachings. And there are some ministers who willingly (or silently) permit these politicians to receive these sacraments. These ministers also get criticism. These situations may also involve the sacrament of marriage.
The Latin verb solver means to melt, to loosen, and to resolve. A solution is an issue (problem) being “melted or dissolved away”. The word solution, a liquid containing a dissolved substance, was first coined in the 1590’s. A solution, meaning an explanation (answer) was first coined in the 1530’s.