χαρίζω (charizō)
charizō
to give grace
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb charizō describes an act of giving that is rooted in grace rather than obligation. It means to grant a favor or bestow something freely, often implying that the recipient deserves nothing in return. In the New Testament, this word appears most frequently in Paul’s letters and Acts, highlighting how God and human leaders extend unmerited kindness.
A key distinction of charizō is its specific use regarding forgiveness. Unlike general terms for pardon, it carries the weight of canceling a debt or releasing someone from a claim. This is clear in Luke’s account of the unforgiving servant, where the lord cancels an impossible debt (Luke 7:42-43), and in Paul’s instruction to forgive one another as God forgave us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
The word’s etymology connects it directly to charis, or grace. This linguistic link reinforces the theological idea that divine forgiveness is a gift of goodwill. When Paul writes that God gave us everything in Christ (Romans 8:32), he uses this term to emphasize the lavish, unearned nature of that provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charizō describes a gift given freely, rooted in grace rather than obligation. It carries the specific weight of canceling a debt or releasing someone from a claim they could never repay. When Paul writes that God gave us everything in Christ (Romans 8:32), he uses this term to emphasize the lavish, unearned nature of that provision. This is not a transaction; it is a gift of goodwill that leaves the recipient with nothing but gratitude.
In our daily lives, this concept challenges how we treat others. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 instruct us to forgive one another just as Christ forgave us. This means letting go of claims against those who have wronged us, mirroring the freedom we have received. It invites us to extend kindness without keeping score, recognizing that our own standing before God rests entirely on His unmerited favor.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he forgave.2×
- forgiving2×
- I have forgiven,2×
- you forgive,1×
- will He grant?1×
- to give up1×
- to forgive1×
- to be granted1×
- it has been granted1×
- having forgiven1×
- having been granted1×
- has granted [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐχαρίσατο4×
- ἐχαρίσατο.2×
- χαριζόμενοι2×
- κεχάρισμαι,2×
- ἐχαρίσθη1×
- χαρίσεται;¶1×
- χαρίσασθέ1×
- χαρίσασθαι.1×
- χαρίσασθαι1×
- χαρίζεσθε,1×
- χαρίζεσθαί1×
- χαρισάμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:32
He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?
This verse uses the word to describe God’s free gift of all things alongside His Son, emphasizing that divine provision is unearned and lavish.
-
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
Here the term grounds Christian ethics in theology, instructing believers to forgive others based on the model of God’s forgiveness in Christ.
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Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
Paul links interpersonal forgiveness directly to the divine act, showing that human mercy is a response to the debt-canceling grace received from Christ.
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Luke 7:42
When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?”
In this parable, the lord cancels an impossible debt, illustrating the word’s core meaning of releasing someone from a claim they cannot satisfy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does charizō mean in the New Testament?
How is charizō different from other words for forgiveness?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 10 books)
Luke 3 verses
In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight.
Luke 7:42When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?”
Luke 7:43Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”