χάριν (charin)
charin
because of
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word charin functions as a prepositional phrase meaning "on account of" or "for the sake of." It derives from the accusative case of the noun charis, shifting its grammatical role to indicate the reason behind an action. This construction appears nine times in the New Testament, serving as a concise way to link cause and effect.
Its usage often highlights gratitude or motivation. For instance, Luke 7:47 uses it to explain that love flows from forgiveness, while Ephesians 3:1 connects Paul’s imprisonment to his role as a prisoner for the Gentiles. It clarifies why something happens, whether out of favor or necessity.
Translators typically render charin as "for" or "because of." The term emphasizes the underlying purpose or benefit rather than mere temporal sequence. Its presence in letters like Titus and Jude underscores theological reasoning, showing how divine grace drives human responsibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The phrase translated as "because of" or "for the sake of" in Greek points us toward the deeper reasons behind our actions and experiences. It is not merely a grammatical connector but a window into motivation. When Scripture uses this construction, it often reveals that our external circumstances are driven by internal realities, such as grace, faith, or specific divine purposes.
Consider how Paul describes his imprisonment in Ephesians 3:1. He does not view his chains as random misfortune but explicitly links them to his calling for the Gentiles. This perspective transforms suffering from a meaningless burden into a purposeful part of God's plan. It invites us to look past immediate difficulties and ask what greater good or divine intention might be at work.
In our daily lives, this understanding encourages gratitude and clarity. Just as Luke 7:47 shows that love flows from the experience of forgiveness, recognizing the "because of" in our own stories helps us see how God’s prior kindness motivates our current response. We are not drifting aimlessly; we are moving in response to who He is and what He has done for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Because4×
- because.2×
- because;1×
- because of1×
- Because of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χάριν5×
- χάριν·1×
- χάριν.¶1×
- χάριν.1×
- χάριν,1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 3:1
For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
This verse connects Paul's physical imprisonment directly to his divine commission, showing that his suffering was purposeful rather than accidental.
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Luke 7:47
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
Here the phrase explains the causal link between receiving forgiveness and expressing love, highlighting gratitude as the engine of devotion.
-
Titus 1:5
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—
Paul uses this construction to clarify his pastoral strategy, indicating that leaving Titus behind was a deliberate step to establish church order.