希腊原文词研究
Charis — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Charis (χάρις) is the Greek word for grace, favor, and gratitude, central to the New Testament's message of God's unmerited kindness in Christ.
这个词的意思
Charis fundamentally denotes graciousness — something that causes favorable regard, whether in manner, speech, or action. In its broadest sense it refers to a gracefulness or loveliness that draws goodwill from others. The New Testament applies this to both human conduct (Col. 4:6) and the character of divine speech (Luke 4:22).
Subjectively, charis covers two directions. From the giver's side it expresses grace, kindness, and goodwill, and in the New Testament it most often describes the free and universal favor of God toward humanity (Luke 1:30; Rom. 1:7). From the receiver's side it names the response of gratitude or thanks (Luke 6:32–34; Rom. 6:17), giving us the English words 'eucharist' (thanksgiving) and 'Eucharist' (the sacrament).
Objectively, charis points to the concrete results of this favor: a state of grace in which the believer stands (Rom. 5:2), and the gifts or proofs of grace that flow from God's generosity (John 1:16; Eph. 3:2). It is repeatedly contrasted with debt (Rom. 4:4, 16) and works (Rom. 11:6), emphasizing that what charis gives cannot be earned.
在圣经里的用法
In the Gospels charis appears early and prominently. Luke uses it to frame salvation history: Mary finds favor with God (Luke 1:30), the child Jesus grows with God's grace upon him (Luke 2:40, 52), and his public ministry opens with 'words of grace' (Luke 4:22). The Gospel of John ties charis to the incarnation itself: the Word becomes flesh 'full of grace and truth,' and from his fullness believers receive 'grace for grace' (John 1:14, 16).
In Luke 6:32–34 and 17:9 the term shifts toward gratitude, asking what 'thanks' one deserves for ordinary reciprocity — a question that exposes the distinctive, self-giving quality of the grace Jesus embodies. Across the Pauline and Petrine epistles, charis becomes the defining category for God's saving action in Christ, the standing of the believer, and the spiritual gifts that equip the church.
词条详解
- G5485 χάρις (charis, 'grace, favor, thanks') is the source of the English words 'charisma,' 'charitable,' and 'Eucharist.' In secular Greek it denoted attractiveness or kind intent; the LXX made it the standard rendering of Hebrew חֵן (chen), shaping its later theological sense. In the New Testament it spans the giver's free favor, the receiver's gratitude, and the concrete gifts that result.
示例经文
- Luke 1:30 Mary 'finds favor' (εὗρες χάριν) with God — charis as the divine goodwill that initiates salvation history.
- Luke 2:52 Jesus grows in 'favor' (χάριτι) with God and men — charis describing a relational quality, not merely a status.
- John 1:14 The incarnate Word is 'full of grace and truth' — charis as a defining attribute of the Son.
- John 1:16 'Grace for grace' (χάριν ἀντὶ χάριτος) — charis as a continuous, overflowing gift from Christ's fullness to believers.
常见问题
Is charis the same word as 'grace' in English?
Yes. Charis is the direct source of 'grace,' and the two are used interchangeably in theological contexts, though charis also covers favor and thanks.
Does charis always mean 'unmerited favor'?
In the New Testament especially in Paul, it strongly emphasizes God's free favor that cannot be earned, contrasted with debt and works. In some passages, however, it simply means human favor, favor shown to someone, or the gratitude response.
What is the relationship between charis and the Eucharist?
The term 'Eucharist' comes from εὐχαριστία (eucharistia), derived from charis plus the prefix εὐ- ('well'), meaning thanksgiving. The sacrament is named for the grateful response to God's grace.