There have been many researches on the usage of this word especially in the Third Gospel and in Pauline epistles. On the contrary, the usage in the Fourth Gospel has seldom been mentioned by the scholars because of its comparative rarity. But just for its rarity, if we investigate thoroughly the usage in the Fourth Gospel, we could see the particular meanings in it. If so, it will have some connections with the theology of the Fourth Gospel.

In chapter one, we examine the usage of [sozein] in the historical contexts. The basic meaning of this word is 'to be delivered from the serious dangers which may cause one's death.' In the philosophical and religious contexts, [sozein] is expected to be given from gods, and also means 'holy reservation of all things.' In the mystic religions in the Hellenism cultures, it was thought to be acquired by the participation in the mystery.

In the Greek Old Testament, [sozein] is used mainly the equivalent of [ys'] and [mlm]. Their meanings are 'refuge from enemies,' or 'hold one's life.'

Also we examine Apocrypha, Pseudographia, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Rabbinic Literature. In them this verb is used on the context of 'extreme danger of life.'

The writings of New Testament except gospels are also considered. Unlike Old Testament, this word is seldom used to 'salvation from physical danger which may cause danger.' But it concern with 'the salvation by God.'

In chapter two, we examine the six verses which contain [sozein] in the Fourth Gospel. At each verse we translate from greek text and make commentaries to them. From this survey, we come to know that these verses contain the ideas which are related to the salvation itself. We conclude that [sozein] is used not by chance, but very intentionally in the Fourth Gospel.

In chapter three, we investigate the deribatives of [sozein]: [soreria] and [soter]. In the Fourth Gospel these words occur only in chapter four, so they are closely connected to its context. Thinking with the motif of salvation in chapter four, we know that these two words show the importance of the connection with God and the faith to the God.

In chapter four, we make some consideration on the usage of [sozein] in the Fourth Gospel. From preceeding research, we find out that [sozein] in the Fourth Gospel means 'to acquire the eternal life' and also denote 'translation from death to life.' These ideas are correspond with the theology of the whole gospel.

We can also say that [sozein] is also the key-word of the Johannie Theology. The fact that Matthew and Luke use this word mainly for 'cure from diseases' helps our hypothesis that John uses it in particular meaning. We can imagine that to avoid misunderstanding of [sozein], John did not use this word so often. John put emphasis not on recovery of each individual sick, but on Jesus who make 'salvation of the whole world.' John depicts the meaning of the cure by Jesus more strict than what Matthew or Luke did.

Also we find many descriptions concerning with Johannie Community in the context which contains [sozein]. This suggest that the theme 'salvation' was important thing to the community.

Based on metaphors like 'bread' 'water' 'wine' or so, scholars say that salvation in the Fourth Gospel means 'to get life.' From our investigation, we find out that [sozein] is also the element of the Johannie idea of 'salvation.' John uses this word intentionally to his gospel. So we must see [sozein] as one of the John's message.

(End of summary)