Define

• Hebrew:

  • chen (חֵן) often denotes God's gracious disposition or blessing toward individuals who align with His will.
  • ratson (רָצוֹן) often tied to God’s pleasure in obedience:

• Greek: charis (χάρις) grace, favor, or kindness

Related words

• chesed(חֶסֶד): Often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love," it is closely related to favor as a covenantal blessing for obedience. For example, Psalm 119:41: "Let thy mercies (חֶסֶד, chesed) come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word," connects obedience to God’s law with receiving His favor-like mercy.
• berakah (בְּרָכָה): Meaning "blessing," often a tangible outcome of favor tied to obedience. Deuteronomy 28:1-2: "If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God… all these blessings (בְּרָכָה, berakah) shall come on thee."
• eulogia (εὐλογία): Meaning "blessing" or "praise," often linked to favor as a result of obedience. Ephesians 1:3: "Blessed be the God… who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings (εὐλογία, eulogia) in heavenly places in Christ," suggests favor through union with Christ’s obedience.
• eleos (ἔλεος): Meaning "mercy," closely tied to favor as a divine response to faithfulness. Titus 3:5: God’s mercy (eleos) is shown to those who align with His will through faith and obedience.

Additional Info

• In the Old Testament, favor is frequently portrayed as God’s response to covenantal obedience.
• favor (charis) is often linked to grace through faith, which includes obedience to God’s will
• Disobedience can forfeit favor

Connections