RELEASE

re-les': (1) The forgiveness of a debt (shemiTTah (Deuteronomy 15:1-2,9; 31:10; see JUBILEE YEAR )), with verb shamaT, "to release," Deuteronomy 31:2-3. (2) To exempt from taxation or military service (hanachah, "release," "rest" (Esther 2:18)). Some would render "granted a holiday." (3) To set a prisoner or slave at liberty (apoluo, "to let go free" (Matthew 27:15 parallel John 19:10), etc.).

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.