Greek
χάρις
charis
Grace — God's undeserved favor
The Greek word for grace — God's undeserved favor poured out on those who do not earn it. Charis is the foundation word of the gospel: salvation 'by grace... through faith' (Ephesians 2:8).
Charis (χάρις) is the Greek word for grace, kindness, or favor. It comes from the root 'chair-' meaning 'to rejoice' — grace is connected to gift-giving and the joy that follows. In Classical Greek, charis described kind acts that produced joy in the receiver. In Jewish Greek (the Septuagint), it translates the Hebrew chen (favor) and chesed (loving-kindness). In the New Testament, charis becomes the central theological term for the gospel — used over 150 times, especially by Paul. The English word 'charity' originally meant Christian love (from Latin caritas, a loose translation of charis), though usage has shifted. 'Charisma' (spiritual gift) and 'eucharist' (thanksgiving) are Greek derivatives still in use.
Charis is the gospel word. Several biblical uses. (1) The basis of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 — 'For by grace [charis] are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.' Salvation is charis — utterly undeserved. (2) The basis of justification. Romans 3:24 — 'Being justified freely by his grace [charis] through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.' We are declared righteous not by works but by grace. (3) The basis of the Christian life. Titus 2:11-12 — 'For the grace [charis] 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.' Grace not only saves but teaches and trains. (4) Sufficient for every need. 2 Corinthians 12:9 — 'My grace [charis] is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' (5) The source of spiritual gifts. Charisma comes from charis — a 'grace-gift.' Romans 12:6 — 'Having then gifts differing according to the grace [charis] that is given to us.' (6) The opening and closing of letters. Paul's letters begin 'Grace [charis] to you' (e.g., Romans 1:7) and end 'Grace [charis] be with you' (e.g., 2 Timothy 4:22). Charis frames the Christian life. (7) Grace and truth. John 1:14, 17 — Christ 'full of grace and truth... grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.' Charis is embodied in Christ himself.
“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.”
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us... full of grace and truth... grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us...”
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.”
Charis is the foundation of Christian identity. Rest in grace, not works. Receive grace daily — Hebrews 4:16, 'come boldly unto the throne of grace.' Extend grace to others. Speak with grace (Colossians 4:6). Grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). The Christian life begins with grace, continues by grace, ends with grace. As John Newton put it: ''Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.'
Charis (χάρις) is the Greek word for grace — God's undeserved favor and free gift. It appears over 150 times in the New Testament, especially in Paul's writings. Charis is the basis of salvation (Ephesians 2:8), justification (Romans 3:24), spiritual gifts (charisma), and the Christian life (Titus 2:11-12). It is the gospel word.
Chesed (Hebrew) is loving-kindness, covenant loyalty — God's faithful love to his people across generations. Charis (Greek) is undeserved favor and free gift. They overlap considerably — the Septuagint sometimes translates chesed with charis. Charis emphasizes the gift quality; chesed emphasizes the covenant faithfulness. Both meet in the New Covenant — God's grace in Christ extends his covenant chesed to all who believe.
Charisma (χάρισμα) means 'grace-gift' — a gift of grace, used in the NT for spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12). Eucharist (εὐχαριστία) means 'good gift / thanksgiving' — used for the Lord's Supper as the great thanksgiving for Christ's gift. Both come from charis. The Christian life is full of charis-words: grace received, gifts given, thanks returned.
Paul opens nearly every letter with 'Grace [charis] to you and peace from God our Father' and closes with 'Grace [charis] be with you.' This is not a formality but a theological frame — the Christian life begins, continues, and ends in grace. The Jewish greeting was 'peace [shalom]'; the Greek was 'rejoice [chairein].' Paul fused them with 'grace and peace' — the gospel salutation.