In the context of the Bible, the concept of "favorite" can be understood through the lens of divine favor, human relationships, and the selection of individuals for specific purposes. The term itself may not frequently appear in the text, but the idea is woven throughout the narrative of Scripture.

Divine Favor

The Bible often speaks of God's favor toward individuals and nations. This favor is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign choice and grace. For instance, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), which led to his selection to build the ark and preserve humanity and animal life through the flood. Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was greeted by the angel Gabriel as one who had found favor with God (Luke 1:30), highlighting her unique role in the divine plan of salvation.

Human Relationships

In human relationships, favoritism can be seen in both positive and negative lights. Jacob's favoritism toward his son Joseph is a notable example. Genesis 37:3 states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." This favoritism led to jealousy and strife among Joseph's brothers, ultimately resulting in his being sold into slavery. Despite the negative consequences, God's providential plan used these events for the greater good, as Joseph later rose to a position of power in Egypt and saved his family during a famine.

Selection for Purpose

The Bible also illustrates the concept of being chosen or favored for a specific purpose. David, the youngest son of Jesse, was selected by God to be king over Israel, despite not being the obvious choice by human standards (1 Samuel 16:7-13). God's favor rested on David, and he became a man after God's own heart, establishing a dynasty that would lead to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Warnings Against Favoritism

Scripture warns against showing partiality or favoritism, particularly in the context of justice and community. James 2:1 admonishes believers, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism." This teaching underscores the importance of treating all individuals with fairness and love, reflecting God's impartial nature.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of favoritism in human relationships, it consistently points to God's sovereign choice and grace as the ultimate source of favor. Believers are encouraged to emulate God's impartiality and to recognize that divine favor is a gift, not a right.1. (n.) A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.

2. (n.) Short curls dangling over the temples; -- fashionable in the reign of Charles II.

3. (n.) The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.

4. (a.) Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.

1588. eklektos -- select, by impl. favorite
... favorite. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eklektos Phonetic Spelling:
(ek-lek-tos') Short Definition: chosen, elect, choice, select Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1588.htm - 8k8378. taavah -- a desire
... Word Origin from the same as avah Definition a desire NASB Word Usage delight (1),
desire (14), desires* (1), favorite (1), greedy (1), intensely (1), what is ...
/hebrew/8378.htm - 6k

Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N., my favorite lord and friend.
Grace and peace in Christ, honorable, worthy and dear Lord and friend. ...
/.../luther/an open letter on translating/nuremberg sept 15 1530 to.htm

We are to Desire and Endeavor that all Men May Love God.
... a particular actor, and enjoys his art as a great or even as the very greatest good,
he is fond of all who join with him in admiration of his favorite, not for ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 29 we are to desire.htm

Preface
... 8]Paul Eber, an intimate friend of Melancthon, wrote for his children the hymn,
"[9]Lord Jesus Christ, true Man and God," which soon became a favorite hymn for ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/preface.htm

Jacob and Esau.
... Esau was the dearer to his father; but Rebekah loved Jacob more, and she wished
her favorite son to have the birthright, or larger portion of the property ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/jacob and esau.htm

The Card Parties
... Among these men, as among his schoolmates, John became a favorite; and he
was often praised and admired for his shrewd and manly ways. ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter v the card parties.htm

Examine Yourself Whether Ye be in the Faith; Prove Your Own Selves ...
... a rock. It is a favorite idea with some people, that it is best for saints
to be always in the dark, to keep them humble. Just as ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/examine yourself whether ye be.htm

Because the Inevitable Tendency of the Partial-Rapture Theory is ...
... One of the favorite devices of the Enemy is to get the believer occupied with something
other than Christ who is "Our Hope." And, let us say it with emphasis ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/7 because the inevitable tendency.htm

The Good Shepherd.
... them his life.""Abbott. The figure of the shepherd and his sheep is always
a favorite one in the Scriptures. Abraham, the founder ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the good shepherd.htm

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... { ^b of them?} for the seven ^a all had her. ^b to wife. [This was evidently
a favorite Sadducean argument against the resurrection. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to 2.htm

At this Time, Mardoch??us was among those Nearest to the King...
... He had made known to the king a plot which had been formed by two eunuchs, and,
on that account, had become a greater favorite, while he was presented with the ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii at this time.htm

Favorite (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite
walk; a favorite child. Multi-Version Concordance Favorite (3 Occurrences). ...
/f/favorite.htm - 7k

Narcissus (2 Occurrences)
... Conybeare and Howson mention two, one the wellknown favorite of Claudius, the other
a favorite of Nero. The latter, who was put to death by Galba (Dio Cass. ...
/n/narcissus.htm - 9k

Darling (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) One dearly beloved; a favorite. 2. (a.) Dearly
beloved; regarded with especial kindness and tenderness; favorite. Int. ...
/d/darling.htm - 10k

Pull (32 Occurrences)
... a bell; to pull an oar. 5. (vt) To hold back, and so prevent from winning;
as, the favorite was pulled. 6. (vt) To take or make, as ...
/p/pull.htm - 17k

Hebron (71 Occurrences)
... or in the New Testament. It is found about forty times in the Old. It was
the favorite home of Abraham. Here he pitched his tent ...
/h/hebron.htm - 41k

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... 1. A General Favorite: Absalom was born at Hebron (2 Samuel 3:3), and moved at an
early age, with the transfer of the capital, to Jerusalem, where he spent ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

Food (2953 Occurrences)
... Certain nuts were favorite articles of food-pistachio nuts (boTnim), almonds (sheqedhim)
and walnuts ('eghoz); and certain spices and vegetables were much used ...
/f/food.htm - 36k

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... For the cultivation of the mashal these men of letters availed themselves of a favorite
native form, the popular proverb; but they gave to it a literary mold ...
/p/proverbs.htm - 43k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 5:6 2 Chronicles 2:3 2 Kings 12:11 2 Chronicles 24:12 2 Kings 22:6 Ezra
3:7; Ezra 4:1). David's house and that of Solomon and his favorite wife were ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Favoritism (7 Occurrences)

/f/favoritism.htm - 8k

Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Knowing Jesus vs. knowing about Jesus-what is the difference? | GotQuestions.org

When the Bible is translated into English, how do the translators decide what punctuation to use? | GotQuestions.org

Favorite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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