The meaning of “χάρις”
Understanding cháris reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). - graciousness (as grat...
χάρις
acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). - graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete - literal, figurative or spiritual - especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life - including gratitude)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Luke 6:32 | “For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.” Word: χάρις (cháris) | |
| 1 Corinthians 15:10 | “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Word: χάρις (cháris) | |
| Philippians 1:7 | “Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.” Word: χάρις (cháris) | |
| 1 Timothy 1:14 | “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” Word: χάρις (cháris) | |
| Hebrews 12:15 | “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Word: χάρις (cháris) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Grace
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Grace, favor
The Hebrew chen (חֵן) means grace or favor—unmerited kindness bestowed by a superior. Noah 'found grace in the eyes of the LORD' (Genesis 6:8), receiving undeserved favor.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Grace, favor
The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit.