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Greek word · Strong G5485

What does grace mean?

Grace is God's favor that no one deserves: love that gives what was not earned. It is the Greek word charis, and the heart of the gospel: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

χάρις

cháris · transliteration

In Strong’s lexicon
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)
In the King James
  • grace121
  • favour6
  • thank4
  • thanks4
Appears in
147 verses

See the full G5485 entry →Also in the lexicon: H2580 חֵן

The meaning of grace in the Bible

Charis was the ordinary word for a favor, a gift, something that brings joy — and the New Testament fills it with meaning: grace is God acting on behalf of those who cannot pay. In the Old Testament the idea is in chen (H2580): “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8), and also in God's faithful kindness, hesed.

Grace is not only the beginning of the Christian life; it is what sustains it. When Paul asked God to take away his suffering, he heard: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). And John sums up the coming of Jesus this way: he came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Where grace appears

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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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. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between grace and mercy?
One sentence helps: mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve; grace is receiving the good we do not deserve. The two come together in the gospel.
What does “by grace are ye saved” mean?
That salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and not a payment for works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works come afterward, as fruit, not as price.

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