χάρις (charis)
charis
grace
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 146 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun charis primarily denotes a favorable regard that brings joy or delight, often translated as "grace." In classical usage, it described physical beauty or the charm of speech, as seen when the crowd was amazed by Jesus’ words in Luke 4:22. This sense of pleasing attractiveness extends to the goodwill and kindness shown by one person to another, reflecting a natural inclination toward favor.
In the New Testament, the word takes on profound theological weight, referring specifically to God’s unmerited favor toward humanity. Paul contrasts this divine grace with human debt or works in Romans 4:4 and 11:6, emphasizing that salvation is a free gift rather than an earned reward. It describes both the active power of God transforming believers and the resulting state of living under that influence.
Charis also captures the response of gratitude from those who receive such favor. Believers are called to give thanks, linking the reception of grace with a thankful heart, as seen in passages like 1 Timothy 1:12. The term thus encompasses the entire cycle: the generous gift from God, the transformative effect on the recipient, and the grateful acknowledgment that follows.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charis begins with a simple idea: favor that brings delight. In everyday Greek it described charm or attractiveness, but in Scripture it points to God’s warm regard for people who could not earn it. When the angel told Mary she had found favor with God (Luke 1:30), he used this same root. It is not about your performance. It is about His gentle inclination toward you.
This grace becomes visible in Jesus, who was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He did not just speak kindly; He embodied the gift itself. For believers, this means salvation rests on God’s free offer, not our debts or works. We receive it, live under its influence, and respond with gratitude. It is a cycle of receiving and giving thanks.
When life feels heavy, remember that grace is active power, not just a feeling. The apostles were sustained by this same grace (Acts 4:33). You are invited to rest in that unmerited kindness today. Let it shape how you treat others, with the same unearned favor you have received.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 146 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- grace80×
- Grace15×
- of grace7×
- favor5×
- grace.4×
- grace,4×
- by grace4×
- Grace [be]4×
- credit3×
- [the] grace3×
- Thanks [be]3×
- grace;2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χάρις54×
- χάριν35×
- χάριτος24×
- χάριτι20×
- χάρις,4×
- χάριτί2×
- χάριτι,2×
- χάριτα2×
- χάριν.¶2×
- Χάρις2×
- χάριτος·1×
- χάριτος.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:30
The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
This verse anchors the word in personal encounter, showing grace as God’s favorable regard toward an individual who did not earn it.
-
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Here grace is embodied in Jesus Himself, linking the abstract concept of favor to the tangible presence of the Son.
-
Acts 15:11
But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”
This occurrence clarifies the theological core: salvation comes through grace alone, contrasting it with any notion of human merit.
-
Acts 20:32
Now, brothers, I entrust you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Grace is described as an active force that builds up believers and secures their inheritance among the sanctified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does charis mean in the Bible?
How is grace different from mercy?
Where does charis appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (146 verses across 23 books)
Luke 8 verses
The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Luke 2:40The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Luke 4:22All testified about him and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, “Isn’t this…
Luke 6:32“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 6:33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
Luke 6:34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to…
Luke 17:9Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not.