Grace — Meaning in the Bible
Favour that is given, not earned. In the Bible grace describes God's kindness and help to people who do not deserve it, and is closely tied to salvation in the New Testament.
What it means
In the Old Testament "finding favour" (often rendered "grace") in someone's eyes means being treated kindly by them. Noah "found favour in the LORD's eyes". Genesis 6:8Genesis 39:4
In the New Testament grace is a central word for God's generosity in Christ: people are saved by grace through faith, not by their own works, and grace also gives strength to live and serve. Ephesians 2:8–92 Corinthians 12:9Titus 2:11–12
Key passages
- Genesis 6:8 — Noah found favour with the LORD.
- Exodus 34:6 — The LORD describes himself as merciful and gracious.
- John 1:14–17 — The Word came "full of grace and truth".
- Romans 3:23–24 — People are made righteous freely by God's grace.
- Ephesians 2:8–9 — Saved by grace through faith, not of works.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 — "My grace is sufficient for you": grace as strength in weakness.
Different senses
- Favour from a person
- Being looked on kindly by someone with power, as Joseph found favour with Potiphar. Genesis 39:4
- God's undeserved kindness
- God's generosity that saves and forgives. Romans 3:24Ephesians 2:8
- Strength and gifts
- Grace that enables people to endure and serve. 2 Corinthians 12:91 Peter 4:10
Original language
חֵן chen
Hebrew · Strong’s H2580 · gloss: “favor”
The Hebrew word often used in "find favour in someone's eyes". Genesis 6:8
χάρις charis
Greek · Strong’s G5485 · gloss: “grace”
The Greek word for grace, used throughout the New Testament letters and in their greetings. Ephesians 2:8Romans 1:7
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
- The same Hebrew phrase is translated "found favour" in some versions and "found grace" in others. Genesis 6:8
For children
Grace is God's kindness that we do not earn. It is a gift, like a present you did not have to pay for. Ephesians 2:8
Study further
- Exodus 34:6–7 How God describes himself.
- John 1:14–18 Grace and truth in Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:1–10 Grace and salvation.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 Grace in weakness.