### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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".
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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