χαρίζομαι

charízomai /khar-id'-zom-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice from χάρις; to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
KJV usagedeliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word charízomai, represented by G5483, means to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue. It appears 24 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. This term is derived from χάρις (grace) and carries the core idea of giving something freely and generously, without expectation of return. It encompasses actions ranging from pardoning a debt to granting a gift or delivering someone from a difficult situation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5483 is used to describe several aspects of gracious giving and forgiveness. A primary context is the believer's obligation to forgive others, which is modeled on divine forgiveness. Believers are called to be "forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" Ephesians 4:32 and as "Christ forgave you" Colossians 3:13. The term also describes God's actions as the ultimate giver. God is the one who has "freely given to us" all things through the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:12, and based on the sacrifice of His Son, He will "freely give us all things" Romans 8:32. In a different context, it can mean to grant or deliver, such as when Paul states that no man may "deliver" him to his accusers Acts 25:11 or when the crowd "desired a murderer to be granted unto" them Acts 3:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the nature of granting favor and forgiveness:

  • G2155 eúsplanchnos (well compassioned, i.e. sympathetic): This word is used alongside G5483 to describe the inner disposition required for forgiveness, urging believers to be "tenderhearted, forgiving one another" Ephesians 4:32.
  • G430 anéchomai (to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with): This term describes the act of forbearance that often precedes forgiveness. It is presented as a parallel action in the command for "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another" Colossians 3:13.
  • G5339 pheídomai (to be chary of, i.e. ...to treat leniently): This word is contrasted with God's ultimate act of giving. Because God "spared not his own Son," He is now able to "freely give" G5483 all things to believers Romans 8:32.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5483 is significant, anchoring the concept of giving in the nature of God's grace.

  • Grace-Based Forgiveness: The word's connection to grace underscores that forgiveness, both divine and human, is not earned but is a favor freely granted. The command to forgive is explicitly based on the pattern of how God "hath forgiven" believers through Christ (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).
  • The Generosity of God: G5483 repeatedly portrays God as a lavish giver. He gives a name above every name to Christ Philippians 2:9, freely gives believers all things Romans 8:32, and even "gave" the inheritance to Abraham by promise Galatians 3:18.
  • The Cost of a Free Gift: The concept of a "free gift" is deepened by its connection to sacrifice. God's ability to "freely give" all things is predicated on the fact that He "spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all" Romans 8:32. Even suffering for Christ is framed as something graciously "given" to believers Philippians 1:29.

Summary

In summary, G5483 is a vital term that moves beyond simple giving to describe acts rooted in grace and favor. It defines the Christian's duty to pardon others based on the unmerited forgiveness received from God. The word illustrates the nature of God as one who gives generously and gratuitously, from granting salvation and all spiritual blessings to delivering his people. Ultimately, charízomai demonstrates how the most profound gifts of God, though freely given, are made possible by the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 23 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 6×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Infinitive 2×
  • Perfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 2×
  • Perfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
  • Future Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Future Passive Indicative 1st Singular 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 19 verses across 10 books. Most frequent in Acts (4 verses).

3
Luke
4
Acts
1
Romans
1
1 Corinthians
3
2 Corinthians
1
Galatians
1
Ephesians
2
Philippians
2
Colossians
1
Philemon

Verse Explorer

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