Why Save?

Safe, unharmed — salvus. Saviour—> as keeping people unharmed and safe?

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In Ancient Greek and Latin, words related to “saving” or “protection” were quite common, given their importance in both religious and everyday contexts. Here are the primary terms and their meanings:

Latin:

1. Salvare – This is the verb meaning “to save” or “to make safe,” from which the English “save” ultimately derives. It is related to the Latin adjective salvus, meaning “safe” or “unharmed.”

2. Servare – Another Latin verb meaning “to preserve,” “to keep,” or “to guard.” While it doesn’t mean “save” in the rescue sense, it involves protection and careful keeping, and it is related to words like “preserve” in English.

3. Salus – This noun means “safety,” “health,” or “well-being.” It is the root of English words like “salutation” (originally a greeting wishing someone good health) and “salvation.”

Ancient Greek:

1. Σῴζειν (Sōzein) – This verb means “to save,” “to keep safe,” or “to rescue.” It is often used in religious contexts, such as saving the soul. This is the Greek word most directly equivalent to the Latin salvare.

2. Σωτηρία (Sōtēria) – A noun meaning “salvation,” “deliverance,” or “safety.” It is the root of the name Soter, often used in titles to mean “Savior,” and also linked to concepts of spiritual salvation.

3. Σῶος (Sōos) – An adjective meaning “safe” or “unharmed,” similar in meaning to the Latin salvus.

These terms capture similar themes of safety, preservation, and rescue in both languages, reflecting their importance in both practical and spiritual contexts.

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The word “save” comes from the Old French word “sauver,” which means “to save, protect, keep safe.” This Old French term originated from the Latin word “salvare,” which also means “to save” or “to make safe.” The Latin root “salvare” is derived from “salvus,” meaning “safe” or “unharmed.”

In English, “save” has been used since around the 13th century with meanings related to keeping safe, preserving, or rescuing from harm or danger. Over time, its use has expanded to include meanings like storing or conserving something for future use, especially in modern contexts like computer files.