Divine favor is one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s grace in Scripture. It represents God’s kindness, blessing, and goodwill toward His people, often opening doors that seem impossible and granting blessings beyond what we deserve.
Throughout the Bible, we see how God’s favor transformed ordinary people into extraordinary vessels for His purposes.
Understanding Divine Favor
Divine favor isn’t about earning God’s approval through our works, but rather receiving His gracious blessing as we walk in obedience and faith. It’s the supernatural advantage that comes from being in the right relationship with God, positioning us to receive His best in every area of life.
Old Testament Verses on Divine Favor
1. Genesis 39:21 (NIV) “The LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”
2. Exodus 33:17 (NIV) “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.'”
3. Numbers 6:25-26 (NIV) “The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
4. Deuteronomy 33:23 (NIV) “About Naphtali he said: ‘Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the LORD and is full of his blessing.'”
5. 1 Samuel 2:26 (NIV) “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people.”
6. 2 Samuel 15:25 (NIV) “Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again.'”
7. Nehemiah 1:11 (NIV) “Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
8. Esther 2:17 (NIV) “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen.”
9. Job 10:12 (NIV) “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.”
10. Psalm 5:12 (NIV) “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
11. Psalm 30:5 (NIV) “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
12. Psalm 30:7 (NIV) “LORD, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.”
13. Psalm 41:11 (NIV) “I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.”
14. Psalm 44:3 (NIV) “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.”
15. Psalm 84:11 (NIV) “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
16. Psalm 85:1 (NIV) “You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.”
17. Psalm 89:17 (NIV) “For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn.”
18. Psalm 90:17 (NIV) “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
19. Psalm 102:13 (NIV) “You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.”
20. Psalm 106:4 (NIV) “Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them.”
21. Psalm 112:5 (NIV) “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
22. Psalm 119:58 (NIV) “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”
23. Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV) “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
24. Proverbs 8:35 (NIV) “For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.”
25. Proverbs 11:27 (NIV) “Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.”
26. Proverbs 12:2 (NIV) “Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.”
27. Proverbs 14:9 (NIV) “Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.”
28. Proverbs 14:35 (NIV) “A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.”
29. Proverbs 16:15 (NIV) “When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.”
30. Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”
31. Proverbs 19:12 (NIV) “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”
32. Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
33. Isaiah 49:8 (NIV) “This is what the LORD says: ‘In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'”
34. Isaiah 60:10 (NIV) “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Though in anger I struck you, in favor I will show you compassion.”
35. Isaiah 61:2 (NIV) “To proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.”
36. Jeremiah 31:2 (NIV) “This is what the LORD says: ‘The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.'”
37. Daniel 1:9 (NIV) “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.”
38. Zechariah 12:10 (NIV) “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.”
New Testament Verses on Divine Favor
39. Luke 1:30 (NIV) “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.'”
40. Luke 2:52 (NIV) “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
41. Acts 2:47 (NIV) “Praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
42. Acts 7:46 (NIV) “Who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.”
43. Romans 5:2 (NIV) “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
44. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
45. Ephesians 1:5-6 (NIV) “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
46. Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
47. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
48. James 4:6 (NIV) “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
49. 1 Peter 2:19-20 (NIV) “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”
50. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
How to Walk in Divine Favor?
Walking in divine favor requires cultivating a close relationship with God through prayer, obedience, and faith. The Bible shows us that favor follows those who fear the Lord, live righteously, and trust in His promises. It’s not about manipulation or treating God like a vending machine, but about aligning our hearts with His purposes and trusting His timing.
When we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, favor becomes a natural overflow of that relationship. God delights in blessing His children, opening doors of opportunity, providing protection, and granting wisdom beyond our years.
Conclusion
Divine favor is one of God’s most precious gifts to His children. These verses remind us that God’s favor isn’t random or arbitrary—it flows from His love and is available to all who seek Him with sincere hearts. Whether you’re facing challenges that seem insurmountable or standing at the threshold of new opportunities, remember that God’s favor can change everything in an instant.
As you meditate on these scriptures, ask God to increase your awareness of His favor in your life. Look for the ways He’s already been opening doors, making paths straight, and causing others to respond favorably toward you. Most importantly, remember that the greatest favor we could ever receive is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ—the ultimate expression of God’s grace and goodwill toward humanity.
Robert Hugh Benson shares inspiring Bible verses and faith-filled reflections on Prayer Forest to guide readers toward peace, hope, and prayer.