χαριτόω

I favor, bestow freely on

Definition

The verb χαριτόω means to bestow favor or grace upon someone, to endow with grace, or to make someone an object of grace. In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel tells Mary she is 'highly favored' (κεχαριτωμένη), indicating she has been uniquely graced and chosen by God for her role. In Ephesians 1:6, the term describes how God has 'freely bestowed' or 'graced' us in the Beloved (Jesus Christ), highlighting the act of God granting believers unmerited favor and acceptance. Both uses center on a divine, gracious act of blessing.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only twice in the New Testament, both in significant theological contexts. In Luke 1:28, it is used in a personal address to Mary, describing her as the recipient of God's special grace. In Ephesians 1:6, it is used in a corporate, doctrinal context, describing all believers as the objects of God's gracious action through Christ. The pattern shows it applies to individuals uniquely chosen by God and to the collective body of the redeemed.

Etymology

Derived from the noun χάρις (charis, G5485), meaning 'grace,' 'favor,' or 'gift.' The verb form χαριτόω literally means 'to grace' or 'to endow with grace.' It shares its root with words like χαρίζομαι (charizomai, G5483), 'to forgive' or 'give freely,' emphasizing the concept of gracious giving. The meaning developed from the idea of showing kindness to the specific act of conferring divine favor.

Semantic Range

This word is central to understanding divine grace. It underscores that God's favor is unearned and freely given. In Luke 1:28, it highlights Mary's role in salvation history not by merit but by God's election. In Ephesians 1:6, it anchors the doctrine of salvation by grace, showing believers are accepted 'in the Beloved.' Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing grace as an active, divine bestowal rather than a passive state.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'favor' (χάρις) often involved reciprocal social obligations between patrons and clients. However, the New Testament use of χαριτόω, especially in Ephesians, subverts this by portraying God's grace as entirely one-sided and unmerited, with no expectation of repayment from humanity. This divine grace contrasts sharply with cultural norms of transactional favor.

χαρίζομαι (charizomai, G5483) — focuses on the act of giving or forgiving freely as a gift. χάρις (charis, G5485) — the noun for 'grace' or 'favor,' denoting the quality or gift itself.

Word Details

Scripture References