Divine Grace Unleashed: χαρίζομαι (Strong’s G5483: charizomai) Freely Bestows Mercy

Strong’s G5483: From χάρις; to grant as a favor, graciously give, forgive, pardon. Derived from the concept of divine grace, this verb embodies the act of freely and graciously bestowing something valuable, often used in contexts of forgiveness and generous giving, reflecting God’s character of unmerited favor toward humanity.

U- Unveiling the Word

χαρίζομαι represents a profound theological concept in the New Testament, embodying the divine act of gracious giving without expectation of return. As a middle voice verb derived from χάρις (grace), it carries the weight of God’s sovereign choice to bestow favor. The word particularly emphasizes the voluntary nature of the giver and the unmerited status of the recipient. In early church usage, it became central to understanding God’s redemptive work through the Messiah, highlighting how salvation itself is a free gift. Today, it continues to illuminate the radical nature of divine grace in an increasingly transactional world.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χαρίζομαι, charizomai, /khar-ID-zom-ahee/
• Detailed pronunciation: kha (as in Bach) – RID (as in rid) – zom (as in zombie) – ahee (as in eye)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χάρις (charis) – root word meaning “grace, favor”
• -ιζω (-izo) – verbal suffix indicating causative action
• -μαι (-mai) – middle/passive voice ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To show favor or kindness
• To give freely or graciously
• To forgive, pardon
• To deliver up or give over

For compound words:
The verbal suffix -ιζω transforms the noun χάρις into action, while -μαι indicates personal involvement of the subject.

Translation Options:

• “to graciously give” – emphasizes the voluntary and generous nature
• “to freely bestow” – highlights the unmerited aspect
• “to grant as favor” – stresses the relational dynamic

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χάρις (charis) /KHAR-is/ – grace, unmerited favor G5485
• χάρισμα (charisma) /KHAR-is-mah/ – spiritual gift G5486
• δωρέομαι (doreomai) /doh-REH-oh-mai/ – to give freely G1433

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, χαρίζομαι exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

The middle voice indicates the subject’s personal involvement in the action. Example morphological changes:

• χαρίζομαι (Present) – I am graciously giving
• ἐχαρισάμην (Aorist) – I graciously gave
• κεχάρισμαι (Perfect) – I have graciously given

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χαρίζομαι stands as a cornerstone in New Testament theology of grace and forgiveness. BDAG emphasizes its connection to unmerited favor, while Thayer’s highlights its usage in contexts of judicial pardon. LSJ traces its classical development from simple giving to specifically gracious giving. Vine’s notes its middle voice significance in showing personal involvement of the giver. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings reveal its common usage in legal contexts of granting pardons and in personal letters expressing gratitude for favors. This rich lexical background illuminates its theological weight in expressing divine grace.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And that very hour He healed [χαρίζομαι] many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind He gave sight. Luke 7:21

Additional References:
Acts 3:14, Romans 8:32, 1 Corinthians 2:12, Galatians 3:18, Philippians 1:29, Philippians 2:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χαρίζομαι embodies the revolutionary concept of grace in action. It demonstrates that true giving flows from a heart aligned with divine generosity. This word reveals God’s character as the ultimate giver, who not only pardons sins but freely bestows all things through His Son. The good news shines through this word as it testifies that salvation isn’t earned but freely given through faith in the Messiah. It challenges believers to reflect this same gracious spirit in their relationships with others.

D – Did You Know?

• χαρίζομαι appears in ancient papyri describing imperial pardons, showing its authority in legal contexts
• The middle voice form suggests the giver’s personal investment in the act of giving
• It’s used in the New Testament to describe both divine and human acts of grace, showing how believers should imitate God’s generosity

Strong’s G5483: From χάρις; to grant as a favor, graciously give, forgive, pardon. Derived from the concept of divine grace, this verb embodies the act of freely and graciously bestowing something valuable, often used in contexts of forgiveness and generous giving, reflecting God’s character of unmerited favor toward humanity.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: grace, giving, forgiveness, favor, mercy, pardon, gift, bestow, divine-grace, unmerited-favor, salvation, generosity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​