Greek Word Study
Charis (χάρις)
Grace, unearned favor
The New Testament's central word for God's unmerited favor toward sinners, freely given through Jesus Christ.
Overview
Pronunciation
Historical and Literary Context
In secular Greek, charis often described the favor a patron showed a client, or the charm of a gift. New Testament writers, especially Paul, transform the word to describe God's radical favor toward those who have done nothing to deserve it — the theological center of the gospel message.
What Scripture Explicitly Says
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares salvation is 'by charis... through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works.' John 1:17 contrasts law given through Moses with 'charis and truth' that 'came by Jesus Christ.'
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Questions Christians Discuss
Christians across traditions discuss the precise relationship between grace and human responsibility (Philippians 2:12-13) — how a gift entirely undeserved still calls for a wholehearted response of obedience and gratitude, without turning grace back into earned merit.
Related Biblical Topics
Explore further
Grace — the full biblical topic study
Salvation — grace as the means of salvation
Chesed — the Old Testament Hebrew counterpart
Hope in Christ
Charis is not a concept but a person's finished work: 'the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich' (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Prayer
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the charis I did not earn and could never earn.
Let me rest in your favor rather than striving in my own strength.
When I am weak, let your grace be sufficient for me. Amen.
Cross References
Romans 3:24
Titus 2:11-12
Hebrews 4:16
2 Corinthians 8:9
Reflection Questions
- 1
How does knowing charis means completely unearned favor change how you relate to God?
- 2
Where might you be quietly trying to earn what was meant to be received as a gift?
- 3
How does 2 Corinthians 12:9 speak to a weakness you are currently facing?
Continue Your Study
Grace — the fuller biblical topic study
Salvation
Chesed
Premium Feature
Whole Bible Connection Engine
This study is part of a living network of Scripture. The connections below show how this topic reaches across the whole biblical narrative, linking people, places, prophecy, and the person of Jesus Christ.
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Gospel Connection
'By grace (charis) are ye saved through faith' (Ephesians 2:8) — charis is the New Testament's central word for the unearned favor secured at the cross.
The Whole Bible Connection Engine is built on the conviction that every part of Scripture speaks to every other part. Read widely. The connections are in the text.