What does "Grace" mean in the Bible?

Grace (charis in Greek, chen in Hebrew) is God's undeserved kindness toward humanity. It is the foundation of the Christian gospel — salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.

What does "Agape" mean in the Bible?

Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love. It describes God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show — a love that gives without expecting return.

What does "Faith" mean in the Bible?

Faith (pistis in Greek, emunah in Hebrew) is the foundational response God requires of humanity — trusting in His character, His word, and His saving work through Jesus Christ.

What does "Redemption" mean in the Bible?

Redemption means to purchase freedom by paying a price. In the Bible, God redeems His people from slavery, sin, and death through the blood of Jesus Christ — the ultimate ransom.

Adoption

υἱοθεσία (huiothesia)

Being placed as a son — receiving full rights and status as God's child.

Greek

Pronunciation: hwee-oth-eh-SEE-ah

Quick Answer

Huiothesia is the Greek word for adoption, meaning 'placement as a son.' It describes God's gracious act of bringing believers into His family with full rights, privileges, and inheritance as His beloved children.

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." — Romans 8:15 (KJV)

Key Verses

Romans 8:15

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

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Galatians 4:5

“To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

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Ephesians 1:5

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

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Etymology and Original Meaning

Huiothesia combines huios ('son') and thesis ('placing'), meaning 'the placing of a son.' In Roman law, adoption was a powerful legal act: the adopted person left their old family, entered the new one with full rights, received a new name, and was entitled to the father's entire inheritance. Old debts were cancelled. It was a complete change of status and identity.

Adoption in God's Plan

Paul uses adoption to describe how God brings believers into His family. It was planned before creation (Ephesians 1:5), accomplished through Christ's redemption (Galatians 4:5), and applied by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15). Adoption is not God's plan B — it is the eternal purpose of His love: to have a family of sons and daughters who share His life.

The Spirit of Adoption

Romans 8:15 describes the Holy Spirit as 'the Spirit of adoption' who enables believers to cry 'Abba, Father' — the intimate family term of a child addressing a loving parent. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16). This inner assurance of belonging is one of the most precious gifts of the Christian life.

Already and Not Yet

Believers are already adopted (Galatians 4:5-7; Romans 8:15) yet await the full consummation: 'the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body' (Romans 8:23). The present experience of adoption includes intimate access to the Father, freedom from fear, and the Spirit's assurance. The future includes glorified bodies and the full inheritance of the new creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does adoption mean in the Bible?

Adoption (huiothesia) means being placed as a son or daughter in God's family with full rights, privileges, and inheritance. It is a legal and relational act of God's grace through Christ.

Are Christians adopted or born into God's family?

Both metaphors are used. Believers are 'born again' (John 3:3) — receiving new spiritual life — and 'adopted' (Romans 8:15) — receiving full legal status as heirs. Together they describe the completeness of belonging to God.

Which Bible verse uses the word "Adoption"?

Romans 8:15 — "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (KJV). It also appears in Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5.

Why does the Greek word behind "Adoption" matter?

Huiothesia combines huios ('son') and thesis ('placing'), meaning 'the placing of a son.' In Roman law, adoption was a powerful legal act: the adopted person left their old family, entered the new one with full rights, received a new nam… English uses one word, "Adoption", where the Greek υἱοθεσία (huiothesia) carries the fuller sense: being placed as a son — receiving full rights and status as god's child.

Related Words

Inheritance

Grace

Salvation

Where to go next

Studied the meaning of Adoption? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.

Adoption

Key Verses

Romans 8:15

Galatians 4:5

Ephesians 1:5

Etymology and Original Meaning

Adoption in God's Plan

The Spirit of Adoption

Already and Not Yet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does adoption mean in the Bible?

Are Christians adopted or born into God's family?

Which Bible verse uses the word "Adoption"?

Why does the Greek word behind "Adoption" matter?

Related Words

Related Reading

Adoption (υἱοθεσία (huiothesia))

John 1:12 Commentary

Bible Verses About Being Children of God

Inheritance (κληρονομία (klēronomia))

Biblical Meaning of the Moon in a Dream (KJV)

Bible Verses About Adoption in Christ

Where to go next