The Greek word charitóō, represented by G5487, is derived from cháris G5485 and means to grace or indue with special honor. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This term signifies the act of bestowing favor and making someone an object of grace, translating as "highly favoured" or "made accepted".
In its biblical occurrences, G5487 describes a divine action. In Luke's gospel, the angel G32 greets Mary by calling her "thou that art highly favoured" Luke 1:28, indicating a unique status bestowed upon her by the Lord G2962. In Ephesians, the term is used twice to describe the position of believers. Paul writes that God has "made us accepted in the beloved" Ephesians 1:6, a status that exists to the praise G1868 of the glory G1391 of His grace G5485.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G5487:
- G5485 cháris (graciousness): This is the root word from which charitóō is formed. It signifies the divine influence upon the heart and is central to the concept of being "made accepted" by God's favor Ephesians 1:6.
- G5463 chaírō (to be "cheer"ful): As the root of cháris, this word for rejoicing is part of the angel's greeting, "Hail" Luke 1:28, immediately preceding the declaration that Mary is "highly favoured."
- G1868 épainos (laudation): This word for praise is the stated purpose for God making believers accepted through His grace Ephesians 1:6, highlighting that God's action is meant to result in His laudation.
- G1391 dóxa (glory): Directly connected to praise G1868 and grace G5485 in Ephesians 1:6, glory is the ultimate attribute to which God's act of acceptance points.
The theological weight of G5487 is significant in understanding the nature of salvation.
- Divine Initiative: The word emphasizes that favor and acceptance are not achieved but are actively bestowed by God. Whether describing Mary as "highly favoured" or believers as "made accepted," the action originates with God (Luke 1:28, Ephesians 1:6).
- Acceptance in Christ: The use in Ephesians 1:6 is crucial, as it specifies that this acceptance is granted "in the beloved" G25. This means the believer's standing before God is secured through their position in Christ.
- Purpose of Praise: God's act of endowing grace through G5487 is explicitly linked to His own glory. The outcome of being "made accepted" is for the "praise of the glory of his grace" Ephesians 1:6.
In summary, G5487 charitóō conveys more than simple favor; it describes a definitive act of God endowing a person with grace and honor. It is not a quality one possesses, but a status one receives. From the angel's address to Mary to Paul's explanation of a believer's standing in Christ, the word points to the gracious initiative of God that places individuals in a position of acceptance, all for the ultimate praise of His own glory.
TRV