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χάριν

chárin

G5484 preposition

SILEX Entry

Root χαρ- grace, favor, kindness, (by extension) cause, reason, sake

Definition

As the accusative form of χάρις (grace, favor), χάριν primarily functions as a preposition meaning 'for the sake of,' 'because of,' or 'on account of.' It introduces the reason, motive, or purpose underlying an action, often indicating the beneficiary or the goal for which something is done. Its usage highlights the causative or purposive aspect rather than mere benefit, drawing attention to what prompts or motivates the action.

Semantic Range

for the sake of, on account of, because of, for the benefit of, by reason of, as a result of, in order to

Root / Etymology

Formed from the accusative singular of χάρις (grace, favor, goodwill); its function as a preposition evolved from the accusative sense. χάρις itself is connected to the root χαρ- (related to joy, favor, kindness).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, χάριν is regularly found as a preposition with the genitive, expressing motive, reason, or purpose (e.g., χάριν τοῦ πλῆθους, 'for the sake of the crowd'). Its use continues classical tradition but becomes more common and formulaic in post-classical texts, including the Septuagint and New Testament. Unlike simple benefactive datives, χάριν emphasizes cause or intended outcome. In translation, English renderings may include 'because of,' 'for the sake of,' or 'on account of.' English versions sometimes lack precision, rendering it as a generic 'for' without capturing the purposive nuance. The word does not carry an inherent sense of obligation or negative connotation; in rare cases, context may supply a slightly reproachful or ironic tone. χάριν is distinct from similar expressions such as ἕνεκα/ἕνεκεν ('on account of'), though both may overlap semantically. Classical Greek also uses the full phrase χάριν ἔχειν ('to give thanks'), but as a prepositional phrase, χάριν maintains a focused causative or purposive function.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

accusative case of χάρις as preposition; through favor of, i.e. on account of:--be-(for) cause of, for sake of, +…fore, X reproachfully.

Root Family

χάρις (charis) — grace, favor, kindness, cause, reason, sake

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5484-01 χάριν charin PREP GEN for the sake of for the sake of 9

Occurrences in Scripture

9 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5484-01 Luke 7:47 χάριν charin PREP GEN I say for the sake of
G5484-01 Galatians 3:19 χάριν charin PREP GEN because of for the sake of
G5484-01 Ephesians 3:1 χάριν charin PREP GEN for the sake of for the sake of
G5484-01 Ephesians 3:14 χάριν charin PREP GEN reason for the sake of
G5484-01 1 Timothy 5:14 χάριν charin PREP GEN . for the sake of
G5484-01 Titus 1:5 χάριν charin PREP GEN reason for the sake of
G5484-01 Titus 1:11 χάριν charin PREP GEN sake for the sake of
G5484-01 1 John 3:12 χάριν charin PREP GEN wherefore for the sake of
G5484-01 Jude 1:16 χάριν charin PREP GEN for the sake of for the sake of
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