The term "favourable" in the biblical context often refers to the grace, approval, or blessing of God upon individuals, nations, or circumstances. It is closely associated with the concept of divine favor, which is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. God's favor is seen as a source of protection, prosperity, and guidance for those who walk in obedience to His commandments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "favor" is "chen" (חֵן), which denotes grace or kindness. One of the earliest mentions of God's favor is found in Genesis 6:8, where it is said, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." This favor resulted in Noah and his family being spared from the flood, highlighting the protective aspect of divine favor.

The favor of God is also evident in the lives of the patriarchs. For instance, Joseph found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, his Egyptian master, as well as in the eyes of Pharaoh, which led to his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 39:4, 41:41). This favor was a direct result of God's presence with Joseph, as noted in Genesis 39:2-3: "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man."

The Psalms frequently speak of seeking God's favor as a source of blessing and deliverance. Psalm 30:5 states, "For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning." This verse underscores the enduring nature of God's favor compared to His temporary displeasure.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "charis" (χάρις) is often used to denote favor, grace, or kindness. The ultimate expression of God's favor is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:52 notes, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This indicates that Jesus, in His humanity, experienced the favor of God, which was evident in His life and ministry.

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the grace of God as a form of divine favor extended to believers. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, the favor of God is seen as the unmerited grace that leads to salvation.

Practical Implications

The concept of being favorable or finding favor is not limited to divine-human relationships but extends to human interactions as well. 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 suggests that living a life characterized by love and faithfulness can lead to favor with both God and others.

In summary, the biblical concept of being favorable encompasses the grace and blessing of God, which is bestowed upon those who are faithful and obedient to Him. It is a theme that runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating the importance of divine favor in the lives of believers.

Scenes Favourable to Meditation
... Scenes Favourable to Meditation. Wilds horrid and dark with o'er shadowing
trees, Rocks that ivy and briers infold,. Scenes nature ...
/.../scenes favourable to meditation.htm

This Treatise Has a Favourable Beginning, Since it is the Birthday ...
... To Marcellina, His Sister. Book I. Chapter II. This treatise has a favourable
beginning, since it is the birthday of the holy Virgin? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii this treatise has.htm

The Favourable Testimonies of More Recent Divines
... SECOND PART V. THE FAVOURABLE TESTIMONIES OF MORE RECENT DIVINES. is good,
and I hate evil. To will, is present with me. With the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/v the favourable testimonies of.htm

Be Ye Favourable to Me.
... Chapter VIII."Be ye favourable to me. I no longer wish to live after the manner
of men, and my desire shall be fulfilled if ye consent. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the romans/chapter viii be ye favourable to.htm

The Early Fathers Appealed To, and Observed to Bear Favourable ...
... THE LAST TWELVE VERSES OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S. MARK. CHAPTER III, THE EARLY
FATHERS APPEALED TO, AND OBSERVED TO BEAR FAVOURABLE WITNESS. ...
/.../chapter iii the early fathers.htm

The Early Fathers Appealed To, and Observed to Bear Favourable ...
... CHAPTER III. THE EARLY FATHERS APPEALED TO, AND OBSERVED TO BEAR FAVOURABLE
WITNESS. Patristic evidence sometimes the most important ...
/.../chapter iii the early fathers.htm

The Intellect Coeval with the Soul in the Human Being an Example ...
... Chapter XIX."The Intellect Coeval with the Soul in the Human Being An Example from
Aristotle Converted into Evidence Favourable to These Views. ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xix the intellect coeval with.htm

This Opinion is Neither Heretical nor Allied to any Heresy
... In this third part, two things are contained: the first is a negative"that this,
my interpretation of Romans 7 is not favourable to the Pelagian heresy. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/i this opinion is neither.htm

The Well-Beloved's vineyard.
... I. Our first thought, in considering these words, is that our position as the Lord's
vineyard is a very favourable one: "My Well-beloved hath a vineyard in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the well-beloveds vineyard.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree.
... planted the fig-tree that he might enjoy its fruit; and in order more effectually
to secure his object, he selected for the tree the most favourable position. ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xx the barren fig-tree.htm

Favourable (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Favourable (6 Occurrences). ... Luke 22:6 and he agreed, and
was seeking a favourable season to deliver him up to them without tumult. ...
/f/favourable.htm - 8k

Favoured (8 Occurrences)

/f/favoured.htm - 8k

Favour (171 Occurrences)
... Job 33:26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall
see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. ...
/f/favour.htm - 37k

Gift (148 Occurrences)
... Psalm 45:12; 72:10). (3.) A bribe to a judge to obtain a favourable verdict
(Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19). (4.) Simply a thing ...
/g/gift.htm - 59k

Fair (147 Occurrences)
... town of Lasea (Acts 27:8). Here the ship of Alexandria in which Paul and his companions
sailed was detained a considerable time waiting for a favourable wind. ...
/f/fair.htm - 40k

Favored (19 Occurrences)
... in possession, neither did their own arm save them; but Thy right hand, and Thine
arm, and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou wast favourable unto them ...
/f/favored.htm - 12k

Tumult (56 Occurrences)
... people. (ASV DBY YLT RSV). Luke 22:6 and he agreed, and was seeking a favourable
season to deliver him up to them without tumult. (YLT). ...
/t/tumult.htm - 23k

Reconcilation
... This is effected by his justice being satisfied, so that he can, in consistency
with his own nature, be favourable toward sinners. ...
/r/reconcilation.htm - 8k

Enchantments (12 Occurrences)
... Psalm 58:5). (4.) Hebrew nehashim, the enchantments or omens used by Balaam (Numbers
24:1); his endeavouring to gain omens favourable to his design. ...
/e/enchantments.htm - 11k

Dan (71 Occurrences)
... They accordingly sent out five spies from two of their towns, who went north to
the sources of the Jordan, and brought back a favourable report regarding that ...
/d/dan.htm - 41k

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