The meaning of “חֵן”
Understanding chên reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. - graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objecti...
חֵן
favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. - graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty) 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 33:15 | “And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.” Word: חֵן (chên) | |
| Deuteronomy 24:1 | “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.” Word: חֵן (chên) | |
| 1 Samuel 20:29 | “And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table.” Word: חֵן (chên) | |
| Esther 5:8 | “If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.” Word: חֵן (chên) | |
| Ecclesiastes 10:12 | “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” Word: חֵן (chên) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
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.