Favoredness in the biblical context refers to the special grace, blessing, or approval bestowed by God upon individuals or groups. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating how God's favor impacts the lives of those He chooses to bless. Favoredness is often associated with divine selection, protection, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Old Testament Examples

1. Noah: Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord amidst a corrupt generation. Genesis 6:8 states, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." This favor led to Noah and his family being spared from the flood, highlighting God's grace and the preservation of righteousness.

2. Abraham: Abraham is another key figure who experienced God's favor. In Genesis 12:2 , God promises, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." Abraham's favored status is evident in the covenantal promises and blessings that extend to his descendants.

3. Joseph: Joseph's life is a testament to God's favor, despite the trials he faced. Genesis 39:21 notes, "The LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Joseph's favoredness ultimately led to his rise to power in Egypt and the preservation of his family.

4. Moses: Moses found favor with God, as seen in Exodus 33:17 : "So the LORD said to Moses, 'I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.'" This favor enabled Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and receive the Law.

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary is perhaps the most notable example of favoredness in the New Testament. In Luke 1:28 , the angel Gabriel greets her, saying, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary's favored status is central to the Incarnation, as she is chosen to bear the Son of God.

2. Jesus Christ: Jesus Himself is described as growing in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 states, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." His life and ministry exemplify the ultimate expression of divine favor, as He fulfills God's redemptive plan.

3. The Early Church: The early Christians also experienced God's favor. Acts 2:47 describes the early 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 spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church.

Theological Implications

Favoredness is not merely about material blessings or earthly success; it is deeply rooted in God's sovereign will and purpose. Those who are favored by God are often called to fulfill specific roles in His divine plan. This favor is not earned by human merit but is a manifestation of God's grace and mercy.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through a life of faith, obedience, and humility. Proverbs 3:3-4 advises, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man." This passage underscores the importance of character and devotion in experiencing God's favor.

Favoredness, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a reminder of God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, guiding them according to His perfect will and purpose.(n.) Appearance.

The Resurrection.
... and corruption have made mad work in our bodies as well as in our souls; 'tis sin
commonly that is the cause of all that deformity and ill-favoredness that now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxv the resurrection.htm

False Profession.
... This is the reason of that evil-favoredness that you see attending some men's lives
and professions; they have been corrupted, as Adam was, either by evil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Acts xiii. 4, 5
... For as those who are under the spell of some wicked, hideously ugly woman, so long
as they are in love with her, cannot see her ill-favoredness, because their ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxviii acts xiii 4.htm

Favoredness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Appearance. Multi-Version Concordance
Favoredness (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 17:1 Thou shalt not ...
/f/favoredness.htm - 6k

Evil-favoredness
Evil-favoredness. Evilfavoredness, Evil-favoredness. Evilfavouredness .
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EVIL-FAVOREDNESS. ...
/e/evil-favoredness.htm - 7k

Evilfavoredness
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EVIL-FAVOREDNESS. ev'-l-fa'-verd-nes The
word is the translation of the Hebrew dabhar ra', lit "evil ...
/e/evilfavoredness.htm - 7k

Favored (19 Occurrences)

/f/favored.htm - 12k

Favorest (1 Occurrence)

/f/favorest.htm - 6k

Evilfavouredness (1 Occurrence)

/e/evilfavouredness.htm - 6k

Ill (137 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ILL; ILL-FAVORED. il, il-fa'-verd. See
EVIL-FAVOREDNESS. Multi-Version Concordance Ill (137 Occurrences). ...
/i/ill.htm - 35k

Illfavored
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ILL; ILL-FAVORED.
il, il-fa'-verd. See EVIL-FAVOREDNESS. ...
/i/illfavored.htm - 6k

Ill-favored (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ILL; ILL-FAVORED. il, il-fa'-verd. See
EVIL-FAVOREDNESS. Multi-Version Concordance Ill-favored (5 Occurrences). ...
/i/ill-favored.htm - 8k

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