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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Luke 1:30 - 1:30
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Grace (χάριν)
From the same root as χαίρω, to rejoice. I. Primarily that which gives joy or pleasure; and hence outward beauty, loveliness, something which delights the beholder. Thus Homer, of Ulysses going to the assembly: “Athene shed down manly grace or beauty upon him” (“Odyssey,” ii., 12); and Septuagint, Psalms 45:3, “grace is poured into thy liPsalms” See also Pro 1:9; Pro 3:22. Substantially the same idea, agreeableness, is conveyed in Luk 4:22, respecting the gracious words, lit., words of grace, uttered by Christ. So Eph 4:29. II. As a beautiful or agreeable sentiment felt and expressed toward another; kindness, favor, good-will. 2Co 8:6, 2Co 8:7, 2Co 8:9; 2Co 9:8; Luk 1:30; Luk 2:40; Act 2:47. So of the responsive sentiment of thankfulness. See Luk 6:32, Luk 6:33, Luk 6:34 :; Luk 17:9; but mostly in the formula thanks to God; Rom 6:17; 1Co 15:57; 2Co 2:14; 2Ti 1:3. III. The substantial expression of good-will; a boon, a favor, a gift; but not in New Testament. See Rom 5:15, where the distinction is made between χάρις, grace, and δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι, a gift in grace. So a gratification or delight, in classical Greek only; as the delight in battle, in sleep, etc. IV. The higher Christian signification, based on the emphasis of freeness in the gift or favor, and, as commonly in New Testament, denoting the free, spontaneous, absolute loving-kindness of God toward men, and so contrasted with debt, law, works, sin. The word does not occur either in Matthew or Mark.