χάρισμα (charisma)
charisma
gift
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun charisma refers to a gift given freely by grace, not earned by merit. In the New Testament, it describes both the general favor of salvation and specific spiritual endowments given to believers for the good of the church. Paul uses this term frequently in Romans and Corinthians to explain that every ability to serve comes from God’s unmerited kindness.
While often translated simply as "gift," the word carries the weight of divine initiative. It appears in passages like Romans 6:23, where it stands in contrast to wages, emphasizing that eternal life is a free gift rather than a payment for work. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists various charismata, such as wisdom, knowledge, and healing, showing that these extraordinary powers are distributed by the Spirit as He wills.
The term is rooted in charis, meaning grace or favor. This connection highlights that spiritual gifts are not personal achievements but manifestations of God’s grace working through individuals. The sources note that this concept underpins the entire economy of divine grace, where pardon and salvation are appointed to sinners based on Christ’s merits, received through faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charisma points to something given freely, not earned by effort or merit. In your daily walk, this truth offers deep relief. You do not need to manufacture spiritual value through performance. Instead, you receive what God has already decided to share with you. This perspective shifts the focus from your ability to His generosity.
When you consider Romans 6:23, the contrast becomes clear. Wages are owed for work done, but eternal life is a gift received in faith. Similarly, the abilities you use to serve others—whether teaching, helping, or encouraging—are distributions of grace. They belong to God first and are entrusted to you for the benefit of the community.
This understanding invites a posture of gratitude rather than anxiety. You are not alone in your service because the source of your strength is divine. As you notice these endowments in yourself and others, let it encourage you to trust the One who distributes them according to His wisdom and purpose for the church.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gifts6×
- gift5×
- the gift2×
- of gifts1×
- grace bestowed1×
- gift.1×
- a gift1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χάρισμα7×
- χαρίσματα6×
- χάρισμα.1×
- χαρίσματος1×
- χαρίσματι1×
- χαρισμάτων1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This verse establishes the foundational contrast between earned wages and unmerited favor, defining the term as a free gift of God.
-
I Corinthians 12:4
Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Here the plural form highlights diversity in distribution while affirming a single divine source, the Spirit.
-
I Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
This passage connects the reception of gifts directly to the responsibility of serving others as stewards of grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does charisma mean in the Bible?
How is charisma different from general gifts?
Who receives spiritual gifts according to the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 6 books)
Romans 6 verses
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;
Romans 5:15But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of…
Romans 5:16The gift is not as through one who sinned; for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift followed…
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 11:29For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 12:6having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the…