The concept of favor in the Bible is a rich and multifaceted theme that traverses the Old and New Testaments, offering profound insights into the nature of God’s grace and benevolence.
In Scripture, divine favor is not merely an abstract idea; it is a tangible manifestation of God’s kindness, protection, and guidance towards humanity.
Favor in the biblical context often goes beyond the simple notion of preferential treatment or worldly success. It encompasses God’s merciful and gracious actions towards those who love and follow Him, even when such favor is unearned or undeserved.
The Scriptures are replete with examples of God bestowing favor in various forms – be it through protection, provision, wisdom, or the ultimate expression of favor in the Christian faith: the redemptive act of Christ.
Bible Verses On Favor
Also Read: Good Wife Bible Verses (with Explanation)
Psalm 5:12
“For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 5:12 encapsulates the divine favor that God bestows upon the righteous. This verse highlights the protective and nurturing nature of God’s favor, likening it to a shield that safeguards the righteous from harm and adversity.
The imagery of a shield conveys a sense of security and defense, suggesting that those who live righteously under God’s law are not only favored but also protected by His divine grace. It’s a reminder that God’s favor isn’t just about blessings in terms of material or earthly gains, but it’s also about spiritual protection and guidance.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”
Proverbs 3:3-4 teaches the importance of steadfast love and faithfulness as keys to finding favor both with God and fellow humans. The verse urges believers to internalize these virtues, suggesting they wear them like a necklace and engrave them on their hearts. This metaphor emphasizes the need for these qualities to be not just actions but intrinsic parts of one’s character.
It implies that favor and success are byproducts of a life lived in sincerity and loyalty. The verse bridges the divine and the earthly, showing that living by godly principles has tangible benefits in human relationships as well.
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:52 is significant as it speaks about Jesus Christ growing in wisdom, stature, and favor both with God and man. This verse serves as a model for personal development, encompassing intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth. It highlights the balanced nature of Christ’s growth and suggests that favor with God does not exclude favor with men.
The verse indicates that spiritual development and earthly relationships are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously. It’s a powerful reminder of the holistic nature of growth and favor in the Christian life.
Psalm 84:11
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
In Psalm 84:11, the LORD is described as a sun and shield, providing both illumination and protection. This verse beautifully illustrates God’s dual role in the lives of believers. He is both the source of light, guiding and enlightening, and the protector, shielding from harm.
The promise that God bestows favor and honor to those who walk uprightly reinforces the idea that divine favor is conditional upon righteous living. It’s an assurance that God does not withhold any good thing from those who live according to His will, emphasizing the benevolent nature of God’s favor.
Exodus 33:17
“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.'”
Exodus 33:17 demonstrates the personal nature of God’s favor, as shown to Moses. It emphasizes that God’s favor is not only about blessings but also about a personal relationship. The fact that God knows Moses by name and is pleased with him highlights the intimate and individualized aspect of divine favor.
This verse reassures believers that favor from God can be a result of a deep, personal relationship with Him, where requests are honored and the individual is known and cherished by God.
Proverbs 8:35
“For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD.”
Proverbs 8:35, speaking in the persona of wisdom, equates finding wisdom with finding life and obtaining favor from the LORD. This verse elevates the pursuit of wisdom to a spiritual level, indicating that true wisdom is aligned with God’s principles.
The implication is that the pursuit of godly wisdom is not just a quest for intellectual enlightenment but also a pathway to divine favor. It underscores the idea that favor from God is linked to a life lived in accordance with His wisdom and teachings.
Genesis 39:4
“So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.”
Genesis 39:4 recounts Joseph’s experience in Egypt, where he found favor with his master. This verse is a testament to how God’s favor can elevate one’s position even in the most challenging circumstances.
Joseph’s rise to a position of authority, despite being a foreign slave, highlights that divine favor can lead to success and responsibility in unexpected places. It’s a powerful example of how God’s favor often works in tandem with personal integrity and hard work, leading to blessings and advancement even in seemingly unfavorable conditions.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 speaks profoundly about the concept of grace as a divine favor. It underscores the idea that salvation is a gift from God, obtained not through human efforts or achievements, but through faith. This passage highlights the unearned and unmerited nature of God’s favor, emphasizing that it’s solely due to His grace.
It serves as a humbling reminder that no amount of good works can earn this favor, thus removing any grounds for boasting. This verse reassures believers that their salvation is secure not because of their deeds, but because of God’s generous and unconditional favor.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 offers assurance that in the grand design of God, even adversities are woven into a pattern for good for those who love Him. This verse is a testament to the divine favor that aligns with God’s ultimate purpose. It suggests that God’s favor is not just about immediate blessings, but also about the orchestration of life events in a way that serves a greater good.
The key condition here is loving God and aligning oneself with His purpose, indicating that divine favor is actively working even in circumstances that might initially seem unfavorable or challenging.
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17 reflects on the nature of God as the unchanging source of all that is good. This verse encapsulates the concept that every good and perfect gift is a manifestation of divine favor. It emphasizes the consistency and unwavering nature of God, contrasting the divine constancy with the variability and change inherent in human experience.
This verse is a comforting reminder that the good things in life are not random or coincidental but are gifts from a benevolent Creator, reinforcing the idea that God’s favor is both generous and steadfast.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 is a powerful expression of God’s favor in terms of support and strength. It addresses the common human experiences of fear and dismay, offering divine reassurance. This verse conveys a profound sense of security and comfort, promising not just presence but active support, strength, and upholding by God’s own hand.
It illustrates that God’s favor includes his intimate involvement in the struggles of His people, providing not just passive support but active intervention and strength. For believers, this is a source of immense comfort and courage in facing life’s challenges.
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 focuses on the sufficiency and abundance of God’s grace. It asserts that God’s favor is not limited or scarce; rather, it is abundant, ensuring that believers have everything they need for every good work. This verse ties the concept of divine favor to practical outcomes – the ability to perform good works.
It suggests that God’s grace empowers and equips believers to act righteously and generously. This abundance of grace implies that God’s favor extends beyond mere provision; it enriches the believer’s capacity to contribute positively to the world.
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8, part of the Beatitudes, promises a profound favor: the pure in heart shall see God. This verse ties the condition of one’s heart to the ultimate spiritual favor – divine encounter. It suggests that purity of heart, which encompasses sincerity, integrity, and a focus on the divine, is key to experiencing God’s presence.
This beatitude elevates the internal state of being over external acts, indicating that the favor of seeing God is not about outward religiosity but about the condition of the inner self. It’s an invitation to cultivate internal purity to experience divine favor.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Psalm 30:5 contrasts the transient nature of God’s anger with the enduring nature of His favor. This verse beautifully captures the redemptive arc of divine favor – while there may be moments of discipline or difficulty, they are short-lived compared to the lifelong favor and joy that follow.
It conveys a message of hope and resilience, suggesting that even in times of sorrow or hardship, these are merely temporary. The promise of joy with the morning symbolizes the renewal and restoration that comes with God’s enduring favor, offering comfort and reassurance in the face of life’s challenges.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 offers a profound insight into God’s favorable intentions towards His people. This verse serves as a reassurance that God’s plans are not arbitrary or malevolent but are aimed at our welfare, future, and hope. It highlights the forward-looking and positive nature of divine favor, suggesting that God’s designs for us are benevolent and purposeful.
This promise is particularly comforting during times of uncertainty or hardship, as it reminds believers that their current struggles are part of a larger, benevolent plan ordained by God, filled with hope and positive prospects.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 emphasizes the comprehensive and generous nature of God’s provision. It reassures believers that God, in his immense glory and through Christ Jesus, is capable and willing to meet all their needs.
This verse underlines the concept of divine favor as not just meeting basic needs but providing abundantly from His vast resources. The key here is the linkage of provision to “his riches in glory,” which suggests that what God provides is not just material but also of a higher, spiritual nature. It’s a comforting assurance of God’s unfailing support and provision.
Psalm 23:1
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1 is a classic expression of God’s providential care and favor. By likening God to a shepherd, this verse conveys a sense of guidance, provision, and protection. The phrase “I shall not want” reflects a deep sense of contentment and trust, implying that with God as the shepherd, every need is met.
This verse portrays divine favor as encompassing all aspects of life, ensuring that those under His care lack nothing essential. It’s a powerful image of God’s nurturing and sustaining presence, offering a sense of peace and security.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 instructs on the priority of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, promising that material and earthly needs will consequently be met. This verse suggests that divine favor is aligned with spiritual pursuits; when one prioritizes God’s will and righteousness, other necessities fall into place.
It shifts the focus from anxious striving for material needs to a trust-based relationship with God, where seeking His kingdom is paramount. This verse implies that divine favor encompasses not just spiritual blessings but also practical, earthly provisions, granted to those who prioritize spiritual values.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 highlights the empowering nature of the spirit God gives to His followers. Contrasting fear with power, love, and self-control, this verse indicates that divine favor is manifested in the inner qualities bestowed upon believers.
The spirit of power speaks to courage and strength in adversity; love suggests a capacity for deep, selfless relationships; and self-control points to discipline and mastery over one’s impulses. This verse reassures believers that they are equipped with not just any spirit, but one that enables them to face life’s challenges with strength, love, and wisdom.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 beautifully articulates the renewing power of God’s favor for those who wait on Him. This verse uses the majestic imagery of eagles soaring to depict the uplifting strength that comes from trusting in God. It conveys the idea that divine favor brings not just endurance but also an elevation above life’s trials.
The promise of running without weariness and walking without fainting speaks to the supernatural stamina and resilience bestowed upon those who place their hope in the Lord. It’s an inspiring picture of how divine support can empower believers to overcome obstacles with grace and strength.
Proverbs 16:7
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Proverbs 16:7 reveals an intriguing aspect of divine favor – the ability to influence one’s relationships, even with adversaries. This verse implies that when one’s actions are aligned with God’s will, it can lead to unexpected peace and harmony, even in potentially hostile situations.
It suggests that pleasing God doesn’t just bring internal or spiritual rewards but can also positively impact external circumstances and relationships. This verse offers a perspective on divine favor as having a practical, peace-bringing effect in the real world, highlighting the far-reaching impact of living in accordance with divine principles.
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 addresses the theme of suffering and divine restoration. It acknowledges the reality of suffering, yet offers a hopeful perspective, emphasizing God’s role in restoring and strengthening those who endure. This verse illustrates how divine favor manifests not only in preventing difficulties but also in providing resilience and restoration afterward.
The promise of God personally working to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish His followers is profoundly comforting. It underscores that divine favor includes a deep transformation and fortification of character, particularly after periods of hardship, aligning believers more closely with His eternal glory.
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to approach God confidently for mercy and grace. This verse highlights the accessibility of God’s favor, emphasizing that His throne is one of grace, open to those seeking help. It conveys the idea that divine favor is readily available, especially in times of need, and that believers should approach God with assurance.
The emphasis on receiving mercy and finding grace suggests a continuous and dynamic process of divine support. This verse reassures believers that God’s favor is not distant or elusive but can be confidently sought and received in times of need.
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 addresses perseverance in doing good, linking it with the promise of a future reward. This verse recognizes the challenge of becoming weary in well-doing but encourages steadfastness, assuring that efforts will eventually bear fruit. It suggests that divine favor is often realized over time, requiring patience and persistence.
The concept of reaping in due season implies that the positive outcomes of one’s actions may not be immediate but are assured if one remains committed. This verse is a motivational reminder that continuous good work, aligned with God’s principles, leads to favorable outcomes under His timing.
Psalm 91:1-2
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2 portrays God as a refuge and fortress, offering protection to those who dwell in His presence. This passage suggests that divine favor includes a profound sense of security and safety under God’s care.
The imagery of abiding in the shadow of the Almighty conveys a closeness and continual presence, implying that favor with God encompasses constant protection and comfort. Declaring trust in God as a refuge and fortress is an expression of deep faith, and this trust is reciprocated by God’s protective favor, symbolizing a safe haven in life’s uncertainties.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24 emphasizes the spiritual significance of everyday work, encouraging believers to perform their tasks with enthusiasm and dedication as if for the Lord Himself. This passage connects the concept of divine favor with the idea of work as an act of worship.
It reassures that earthly tasks, when done in devotion to Christ, hold eternal value and promise a heavenly reward. This perspective transforms the mundane into the meaningful, suggesting that God’s favor is not limited to overtly spiritual activities but extends to all aspects of a believer’s life.
Zephaniah 3:17
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 offers a unique and intimate portrayal of God’s relationship with His people, emphasizing His presence, salvation, and joy. This verse reveals a tender aspect of divine favor: a God who is not only mighty to save but also rejoices and delights in His people with gladness and singing.
It paints a picture of a God who is emotionally invested in the well-being of His followers, comforting and calming them with His love. This verse is a powerful reminder that divine favor encompasses not just protection and guidance but also deep, rejoicing love.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 is a profound declaration of God’s unfailing love and mercy, highlighting their perpetual renewal. Despite being in a book often associated with sorrow, these verses offer hope and reassurance of God’s constant favor. The emphasis on His mercies being new every morning suggests a continuous, daily provision of grace and compassion.
This verse serves as a comforting reminder that no matter what each day holds, God’s steadfast love and mercy are unwavering and abundant. It encourages believers to view each day as a fresh opportunity to experience God’s great faithfulness.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 is a powerful charge and assurance, combining a command with a promise. This verse encourages believers to be strong and courageous, not because of their own abilities, but because of God’s constant presence.
The command to not fear or be dismayed is backed by the reassurance of divine favor, symbolized by God’s omnipresence. This verse is particularly inspiring for anyone facing new challenges or transitions, reminding them that their strength comes from God’s unfailing presence and support, making them capable of facing any circumstance.
What does the Bible say about Favor?
The concept of favor in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing God’s grace, blessings, protection, and guidance towards individuals or groups. It is often presented as a divine kindness or approval that is not necessarily earned by human merit but is given by God’s sovereign choice. Here are some key themes and scriptures related to favor in the Bible:
- Unmerited Grace and Blessing: The Bible frequently speaks of favor in the context of grace – a blessing that is not earned or deserved. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a classic reference: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
- Divine Providence and Protection: Favor in the Bible is also seen as a form of divine protection and provision. Examples include the stories of Noah, who found favor in God’s eyes and was saved from the flood (Genesis 6:8), and Joseph, whose favor with God led to his rise in Egypt despite his brothers’ betrayal (Genesis 39:4).
- Righteous Living Attracting Favor: The Bible also suggests that living righteously and in obedience to God can attract His favor. Proverbs 12:2 states, “A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns.” This suggests that while favor is not earned by works, it is often aligned with righteous living.
- Wisdom and Favor: Wisdom is often linked to favor in the Bible. Proverbs 3:4 says, “So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” This implies that living wisely, following God’s principles, can lead to favor both with God and others.
- Favor as Part of God’s Sovereign Plan: Several passages reflect the belief that God bestows favor according to His sovereign plan and purposes. Romans 9:15-16, referring to God’s words to Moses, says, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
Prayer for Divine Favor
Heavenly Father,
In Your boundless grace and infinite wisdom, I come before You today, seeking Your favor in my life. You, who have created the heavens and the earth, know the depths of my heart and the challenges I face. Lord, I humbly ask that Your hand of blessing be upon me, guiding my steps and opening doors of opportunity that align with Your divine will.
Lord, as the psalmist said, “You bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12). May I walk in righteousness, ever mindful of Your teachings and Your love, that I might find favor in Your sight. Help me to cultivate a heart that seeks Your kingdom first, trusting that all else will be provided according to Your promise (Matthew 6:33).
Grant me the wisdom to make choices that honor You, and the courage to walk the path You have laid before me. In moments of doubt or difficulty, remind me of Your faithfulness and Your steadfast love, which never ceases.
Father, I also pray for favor in the eyes of those around me — that they may see Your light and love reflected in my actions and words. May my life be a testimony of Your grace, bringing glory to Your name.
Above all, Lord, let Your will be done in my life. May Your favor not be a means to my end, but a way to further Your kingdom and Your purposes. For I know that Your plans for me are for good, to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
I trust in Your unfailing love and Your mighty power to work all things for good. Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings and favor in my life. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.