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    Grace (Chen)

    חֵן (chen)

    Favor, charm, and gracious acceptance — finding kindness in another's eyes.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H2580
    Pronunciation: KHAYN
    Quick Answer

    Chen is the Hebrew word for grace, meaning favor, charm, and gracious acceptance. It describes the experience of being looked upon with kindness and finding undeserved favor in the eyes of another, especially God.

    "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." — Genesis 6:8 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Genesis 6:8

    “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
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    Exodus 33:17

    “And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight.”
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    Proverbs 3:34

    “He giveth grace unto the lowly.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H2580 — Grace (Chen) (חֵן (chen))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where חֵן (chen) appears.

    Open Strong's H2580

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Chen comes from the verb chanan, meaning 'to be gracious,' 'to show favor,' or 'to be merciful.' It conveys the experience of being looked upon with kindness, approval, and delight. The phrase 'to find grace (chen) in the eyes of' someone appears frequently — it pictures one person bending down to another with warm, generous favor.

    Grace Before the Law

    Grace is not merely a New Testament concept. Noah 'found grace in the eyes of the LORD' (Genesis 6:8) before the law was given. Abraham received promises by grace. Joseph found grace in Potiphar's house and in Pharaoh's court. God's grace preceded, accompanied, and transcended the law — it has always been His fundamental posture toward those who seek Him.

    Moses and Grace

    Moses' relationship with God was marked by chen. God spoke to Moses face to face, and Moses repeatedly found grace in God's sight (Exodus 33:12-17). After the golden calf disaster, Moses interceded for Israel by appealing to the grace he had found with God. This grace was not Moses' merit but God's generous disposition — His willingness to show undeserved favor.

    From Chen to Charis

    The Hebrew chen flows into the Greek charis — both describing God's unmerited favor. The continuity is crucial: grace is not a Christian invention but the consistent character of God from Genesis to Revelation. What the Old Testament experienced as chen, the New Testament proclaims as charis — fully revealed and freely offered through Jesus Christ.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does chen mean in Hebrew?

    Chen means grace, favor, and gracious acceptance. It describes finding kindness and undeserved favor in another's eyes — especially God's generous disposition toward those who seek Him.

    Is grace only a New Testament concept?

    No. Grace (chen) appears throughout the Old Testament. Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others 'found grace in the eyes of the Lord.' Grace has always been God's fundamental character.

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

    Genesis 6:8 — "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (KJV). It also appears in Exodus 33:17, Proverbs 3:34.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Grace (Chen)" matter?

    Chen comes from the verb chanan, meaning 'to be gracious,' 'to show favor,' or 'to be merciful.' It conveys the experience of being looked upon with kindness, approval, and delight. English uses one word, "Grace (Chen)", where the Hebrew חֵן (chen) carries the fuller sense: favor, charm, and gracious acceptance — finding kindness in another's eyes.

    Related Words

    Grace
    Grace (Charis)
    Mercy

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    Word Meaning

    Grace (Chen) (חֵן (chen))

    Favor, charm, and gracious acceptance — finding kindness in another's eyes.

    Strong's

    Strong's H2580 — Grace (Chen)

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

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