Greek word · Strong's G5485

χάρις

cháris · noun · “grace, favor”

In a sentence

Charis is grace — God’s free, unearned favor toward people who could never deserve it. It is the basis of salvation and the fountain from which the Christian life flows.

Charis carries the idea of a gift freely given and the gratitude it should awaken. In the New Testament it becomes the great word for God’s posture toward sinners: kindness and acceptance offered as a gift, “not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Because grace is unearned, it cannot be repaid — only received and lived from. Paul roots both salvation and ongoing strength in it: “my grace is sufficient for you.” To understand charis is to understand why the gospel is good news and not merely good advice.

Strong's reference

Definition: 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)

KJV usage: acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy)

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” John 1:16 “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.