χαριτόω
charitoō
to favor
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word χαριτόω (charitoō) means "to favor." This verb has a specific semantic domain related to covenants and promises, indicating a sense of benevolence or kindness. In the biblical context, it is used to convey a sense of divine favor or blessing. The limited occurrences of this word in the Bible (only 2 times) suggest that it is a relatively rare term, but one that carries significant meaning. Its usage implies a personal or individual relationship between the one who favors and the one who is favored, highlighting the importance of covenant and promise in biblical thought. The significance of χαριτόω lies in its emphasis on the personal and relational nature of divine favor. It underscores the idea that God's blessings are not impersonal or arbitrary, but rather are rooted in a deep and abiding relationship with those who are favored.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text