Comfort
παράκλησις (Paraklēsis)
Encouragement, consolation, and exhortation drawn from God's presence.
The Greek word paraklēsis means comfort, encouragement, and exhortation — a divine consolation that strengthens believers in times of trial and equips them to comfort others.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
Key Verses
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble.”Read in context
Romans 15:4
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”Read in context
Philippians 2:1
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G3874 — Comfort (παράκλησις (Paraklēsis))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where παράκλησις (Paraklēsis) appears.
Open Strong's G3874The Meaning of Paraklēsis
Paraklēsis comes from the same root as Paraklētos (the title given to the Holy Spirit as Comforter). It carries a rich range of meaning: comfort in sorrow, encouragement in weakness, and exhortation toward righteousness. It is not passive sympathy but active strengthening — God drawing near to lift up and empower His people.
The God of All Comfort
Paul describes God as the 'Father of mercies and God of all comfort' in 2 Corinthians 1:3. This title reveals that comfort is central to God's character. He does not merely observe human suffering; He enters into it with divine consolation. Every comfort believers receive has its source in God's compassionate nature.
Comfort That Multiplies
A remarkable principle in Scripture is that divine comfort is not meant to be hoarded. Paul teaches that God comforts believers so they can comfort others with the same comfort they received. This creates a chain of encouragement that extends God's compassion throughout the body of Christ and into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does paraklēsis mean in Greek?
Paraklēsis means comfort, encouragement, consolation, and exhortation. It describes the active strengthening and consolation that comes from God's presence.
How is paraklēsis related to the Holy Spirit?
Paraklēsis shares the same root as Paraklētos (Comforter), the title Jesus gave to the Holy Spirit. Both words convey the idea of one called alongside to help, strengthen, and encourage.
What is the Greek word for "Comfort" in the Bible?
παράκλησις (Paraklēsis), pronounced "pah-RAH-klay-sis." It means encouragement, consolation, and exhortation drawn from god's presence. Its Strong's number is G3874. It is the word behind "Comfort" in the New Testament, for example in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Comfort"?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 — "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 15:4, Philippians 2:1.
Related Words
Related Reading
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Comfort (παράκλησις (Paraklēsis))
Encouragement, consolation, and exhortation drawn from God's presence.
Strong's G3874 — Comfort
παράκλησις (Paraklēsis) • Encouragement, consolation, and exhortation drawn from God's presence.
Biblical Meaning of Teeth Falling Out in a Dream (KJV)
Loss of strength, spoken words, and unresolved fear.
Biblical Meaning of Falling in a Dream (KJV)
Loss of footing, a warning against pride, and God's ability to hold.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Commentary
In-depth study • God of All Comfort
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Miracles & Supernatural
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