Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "favored" in the Bible often refers to the special grace, blessing, or approval bestowed by God upon individuals or groups. This divine favor is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, highlighting God's sovereign choice and benevolence.Old Testament In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "favor" is "chen," which denotes grace, kindness, or goodwill. One of the earliest mentions of divine favor is found in the account of Noah. Genesis 6:8 states, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." This favor led to Noah being chosen to build the ark and preserve humanity and animal life through the flood. Abraham also experienced God's favor, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to make him a great nation and bless all the families of the earth through him. This favor is further extended to his descendants, Isaac and Jacob, establishing the nation of Israel as God's chosen people. Joseph, another key figure, found favor in the eyes of both God and man. Despite his brothers' betrayal, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt. Genesis 39:21 notes, "The LORD was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." New Testament In the New Testament, the Greek word "charis" is often used to describe favor, which is closely related to grace. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:28 is a significant example: "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary's selection as the mother of Jesus highlights God's sovereign choice and the special role she would play in salvation history. Jesus Himself grew in favor with God and man, as noted in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This indicates His harmonious relationship with both the divine and human realms. The early church also experienced God's favor. Acts 2:47 describes the believers as "praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This favor facilitated the rapid growth and spread of Christianity. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, divine favor is not earned by human merit but is a gift of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes this: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Favor often accompanies obedience and faithfulness to God. Proverbs 3:3-4 advises, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Practical Application Believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through prayer, righteous living, and a heart aligned with His will. Psalm 5:12 assures, "For surely, O LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with favor as with a shield." This favor provides protection, guidance, and blessings in the life of a believer. In summary, being favored in the biblical sense is a profound expression of God's grace and love, manifesting in various ways throughout the lives of His people. It underscores the importance of a relationship with God and the blessings that flow from His divine benevolence. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp. & p. p.) of Favor.2. (a.) Countenanced; aided; regarded with kindness; as, a favored friend. 3. (a.) Having a certain favor or appearance; featured; as, well-favored; hard-favored, etc. Greek 5487. charitoo -- to make graceful, endow with grace ... Word Origin from charis Definition to make graceful, endow with grace NASB Word Usage favored (1), freely bestowed (1). favor highly. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5487.htm - 7k 2170. eucharistos -- thankful Strong's Hebrew 2586. Chanun -- "favored," two contemporaries of Nehemiah, also an ...... Chanun. 2587 . "favored," two contemporaries of Nehemiah, also an Ammonite king. Transliteration: Chanun Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-noon') Short Definition: Hanun ... /hebrew/2586.htm - 6k 2580. chen -- favor, grace 2606. Chananel -- "God is gracious," a tower in Jer. 3076. Yehochanan -- "the LORD has been gracious," the name of a ... 2615. Channathon -- a place in Zebulun 4758. mareh -- sight, appearance, vision 7521. ratsah -- to be pleased with, accept favorably 2608. Chananyah -- "Yah has been gracious," the name of a number ... 2619. Chasadyah -- "Yah is kind," a son of Zerubbabel 8390. Taarea -- a descendant of Saul Library And in this Hope Our Divinely-Favored Emperor Partakes Even in ... The Religion Proclaimed by Him to all Nations was Neither New nor ... An Active Life of Service. Business Phrases The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet A Little Sermon to School-Girls. Barriers Broken Down Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over. Edwards -- Spiritual Light The Economic Challenge to the Church Thesaurus Favored (19 Occurrences)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Favor. 2. (a.) Countenanced; aided; regarded with kindness; as, a favored friend. ... Multi-Version Concordance Favored (19 Occurrences). ... /f/favored.htm - 12k Well-favored (7 Occurrences) Ill-favored (5 Occurrences) Kine (24 Occurrences) Lean (22 Occurrences) Ill-favoured (4 Occurrences) Well-favoured (4 Occurrences) Favor (184 Occurrences) Lean-fleshed (3 Occurrences) Leanfleshed (3 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be blessed? | GotQuestions.org Does God have favorites? | GotQuestions.org Favored: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Favored (19 Occurrences)Luke 1:28 Luke 1:43 2 Corinthians 12:13 Genesis 29:17 Genesis 39:6 Genesis 41:2 Genesis 41:3 Genesis 41:4 Genesis 41:18 Genesis 41:19 Genesis 41:20 Genesis 41:21 Deuteronomy 33:8 Deuteronomy 33:24 Job 22:8 Psalms 30:7 Psalms 44:3 Lamentations 4:16 Ezekiel 27:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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