חֵן (chen)
chen
favor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 63 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chen describes a favor or grace that is freely given, often rooted in kindness rather than merit. It appears frequently in narrative passages where individuals seek acceptance from those with greater authority. For instance, Noah finds chen in the eyes of God in Genesis 6:8, and Moses repeatedly asks to find it in the Lord’s sight in Exodus 33. The term captures a relational dynamic where one person is viewed with goodwill by another, creating a bond of trust and protection.
Beyond social favor, chen also denotes physical charm or elegance. Proverbs uses the word to describe the attractive qualities of speech and appearance, such as in Proverbs 22:11, where pleasant words are said to bring favor to their speaker. This dual meaning highlights how inner character and outer grace often intersect in Hebrew thought. The sources note that this beauty is not merely superficial but reflects a harmonious quality that draws others in.
Its root verb means to be gracious or kind, emphasizing the active nature of this favor. Unlike wages earned by work, chen is an unmerited gift. This distinction is vital in texts like Esther 2:15, where the queen’s position rests on divine favor rather than political maneuvering. Translators typically render it as "favor" or "grace," preserving the sense of a benevolent disposition that changes circumstances for the better.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chen describes a favor that is freely given, not earned by merit. It appears often when people seek acceptance from those with greater authority, such as Noah finding favor in God’s eyes or Moses asking to see God’s way. This term captures a relational dynamic where goodwill creates a bond of trust and protection between individuals.
It also denotes physical charm or elegance, reflecting how inner character and outer grace intersect in Hebrew thought. Proverbs notes that pleasant words bring favor to their speaker, showing that this beauty is not merely superficial but draws others in through harmonious quality. Unlike wages earned by work, chen is an unmerited gift that changes circumstances for the better.
This concept reminds us that our standing before God rests on His kindness rather than our own achievements. Whether in moments of fear or hope, we can trust that this favor offers a path forward even when we feel unworthy. It invites us to receive grace with humility and extend it to others with the same generosity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 63 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- favor52×
- grace5×
- [the] favor of3×
- favor/ his1×
- and/ grace1×
- [the] grace of1×
- [are] favor1×
- <the>/ grace1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֵ֖ן16×
- חֵן֙13×
- חֵ֥ן8×
- חֵ֤ן6×
- חֵ֣ן5×
- חֵ֑ן4×
- חֵ֜ן2×
- חֵ֛ן2×
- חֵן֮1×
- חֵֽן\׃1×
- חֵ֭ן1×
- חֵ֨ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 6:8
But Noah found favor in Yahweh’s eyes.
This verse establishes that Noah’s survival was rooted in divine favor rather than his own perfection, setting a precedent for grace as unmerited goodwill.
-
Exodus 33:17
Yahweh said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
God explicitly confirms that Moses’ unique relationship with Him is based on finding favor in His sight, highlighting personal intimacy over ritual observance.
-
Genesis 39:4
Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
Joseph’s rise from slavery to overseer demonstrates how this favor can alter life circumstances through unexpected kindness from those in power.
-
Exodus 11:3
Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.
The people’s favor with Egyptians shows that divine grace can influence external relationships and secure resources for God’s purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chen mean?
How is chen different from wages?
Where does chen appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (63 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 13 verses
But Noah found favor in Yahweh’s eyes.
Genesis 18:3and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.
Genesis 19:19See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown…
Genesis 30:27Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me…
Genesis 33:8Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” Jacob said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”
Genesis 33:10Jacob said, “Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have…
Genesis 33:15Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me.” He said, “Why? Let me find favor in the…
Genesis 34:11Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will…
Genesis 39:4Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he…
Genesis 39:21But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Genesis 47:25They said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”
Genesis 47:29The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in…
Genesis 50:4When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your…