What Does 'Full of Grace' Mean in Greek?
In Greek, the well-known phrase "full of grace" is primarily expressed by the single word Kecharitomene. This term carries a profound theological and grammatical meaning, indicating more than just a momentary state.
Understanding Kecharitomene
The word Kecharitomene (κεχαριτωμένη) is a perfect passive participle of the verb charitoo (χαριτόω), meaning "to highly favor" or "to grace." Its specific grammatical form conveys a powerful nuance:
Key Implications of Kecharitomene
- Past Action with Enduring Result: The perfect tense signifies an action completed in the past, but with an ongoing, complete, and enduring result in the present. This means the individual has been filled with grace at some point and remains completely filled with grace as an established and lasting state.
- Divine Initiative: As a passive participle, it implies that the grace is received, not earned or self-generated. It is a gift bestowed by a higher power.
- Complete and Permanent State: The term suggests a thorough and permanent filling with divine favor, indicating a continuous and overflowing state of grace.
The table below summarizes the core elements of this significant Greek term:
| Greek Word | English Translation | Grammatical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Kecharitomene | Full of Grace/Favor | A past action with a complete and enduring present result |
For further exploration of Greek words in biblical context, you can consult reliable sources such as a Greek lexicon that provides detailed grammatical and semantic analysis.
