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    Grace (Charis)

    χάρις (charis)

    Unmerited divine favor — God's free, generous gift to the undeserving.

    Greek
    Strong's G5485
    Pronunciation: KHAH-ris
    Quick Answer

    Charis is the Greek word for grace, meaning undeserved favor, kindness, and generosity. It is the foundation of salvation, the fuel of Christian living, and the defining characteristic of God's relationship with humanity.

    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Ephesians 2:8-9

    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
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    2 Corinthians 12:9

    “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
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    John 1:16

    “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G5485 — Grace (Charis) (χάρις (charis))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where χάρις (charis) appears.

    Open Strong's G5485

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Charis derives from the root chair-, meaning 'to rejoice.' In classical Greek it described charm, beauty, or a gift freely given. In the New Testament, Paul transformed charis into the central theological concept: God's unmerited, lavish generosity toward sinners who deserve judgment. Grace is not a reward for the worthy but a gift for the unworthy.

    Grace and Salvation

    Ephesians 2:8-9 is the definitive statement: salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Grace means God does the saving — humans receive it. This was the great rediscovery of the Reformation: sinners are justified not by moral achievement but by God's free gift, received through trust in Christ's finished work on the cross.

    Grace for Daily Living

    Grace is not only the starting point of the Christian life but its sustaining power. Paul testified, 'My grace is sufficient for thee' (2 Corinthians 12:9). Hebrews invites believers to 'come boldly unto the throne of grace' for help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Every moment of faithfulness, every victory over temptation, is grace at work.

    Grace and Transformation

    Grace is not permission to sin but power to change. Paul writes, 'The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly' (Titus 2:11-12). Grace motivates holiness not through fear but through gratitude and love.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does charis mean in Greek?

    Charis means grace, favor, or gift. In the New Testament it specifically describes God's undeserved kindness and generosity toward sinners, freely giving what they could never earn.

    How is grace different from mercy?

    Mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve; grace is receiving the blessings we don't deserve. Mercy removes the negative; grace adds the positive. Both flow from God's love.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Grace (Charis)"?

    Ephesians 2:8-9 — "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (KJV). It also appears in 2 Corinthians 12:9, John 1:16.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Grace (Charis)" matter?

    Charis derives from the root chair-, meaning 'to rejoice.' In classical Greek it described charm, beauty, or a gift freely given. English uses one word, "Grace (Charis)", where the Greek χάρις (charis) carries the fuller sense: unmerited divine favor — god's free, generous gift to the undeserving.

    Related Words

    Mercy
    Faith
    Salvation

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Grace (χάρις (Charis))

    Unmerited favor from God; His free gift of salvation and blessing

    Word Meaning

    Grace (Charis) (χάρις (charis))

    Unmerited divine favor — God's free, generous gift to the undeserving.

    Strong's

    Strong's G5485 — Grace

    χάρις (Charis) • Unmerited favor from God; His free gift of salvation and blessing

    Q&A

    What Does 'Saved by Grace Through Faith' Mean?

    Sin & Salvation

    Strong's

    Strong's H2580 — Grace (Chen)

    חֵן (chen) • Favor, charm, and gracious acceptance — finding kindness in another's eyes.

    Topic

    Grace

    Bible verses about God's grace, unmerited favor, and His loving kindness toward

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