χάρισμα

an undeserved favor

Definition

χάρισμα (charisma) refers to a gift of grace, specifically an undeserved favor or benefit bestowed by God. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the common good of the church, as seen in Romans 12:6 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-31. It also describes the gift of salvation itself, a free gift through Jesus Christ, as emphasized in Romans 6:23 and Romans 5:15-16. Additionally, it can refer to specific God-given capacities, such as the gift of celibacy in 1 Corinthians 7:7.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 17 times in the New Testament, predominantly in Paul's letters, especially Romans and 1 Corinthians. Paul uses it to discuss both the universal gift of salvation (Romans 5:15-16, 6:23) and the diverse spiritual gifts distributed among believers for building up the church (Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31). In 1 Corinthians 1:7, it highlights the enrichment of believers with spiritual gifts as they await Christ's return. The term consistently emphasizes God's gracious initiative.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root χάρις (charis, G5485), meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' with the suffix -μα (-ma) indicating the result or gift of that grace. Thus, χάρισμα literally means 'that which is given out of grace.' It is closely related to χαρίζομαι (charizomai, G5483), 'to grant or give freely.'

Semantic Range

χάρισμα is central to understanding God's grace and the doctrine of spiritual gifts. It underscores that salvation and all spiritual abilities are unearned gifts from God, not human achievements (Ephesians 2:8-9). This enriches Bible reading by highlighting God's generosity and the purpose of gifts: to serve others and glorify God, fostering unity in the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).

In the Greco-Roman world, gifts often implied reciprocity or obligation, but χάρισμα in the New Testament subverts this by emphasizing God's free, unilateral grace. Unlike pagan contexts where gifts might be earned, biblical χάρισμα is entirely undeserved, reflecting a distinctively Christian view of divine generosity.

δωρεά (dōrea, G1431) — a general term for gift, often used for salvation, but less focused on grace as the source; δόμα (doma, G1390) — a gift or present, more generic without the strong grace connotation; χάρις (charis, G5485) — the root word meaning grace or favor, the source from which χάρισμα flows.

Word Details

Scripture References