Greek Word Study | 3870: urge, comfort (parakaleo)

Parakaleo is used 109 times in the NT.  It can mean urge, implore, exhort, encourage, comfort (Logos Bible Software).

William Barclay writes, “Between verses 3 and 7 [2 Cor 1:3-7] the noun comfort or the verb to comfort occurs no fewer than nine times.  Comfort in the NT always means far more than soothing sympathy.  Always it is true to its root meaning, for its root is the Latin fortis and fortis means brave.  Christian comfort is the comfort which brings courage and enables a man to cope with all that life can do to him.”  (William Barclay, The Daily Bible Study Series, 2 Cor 1:1-7.)

Lenski writes, “Paraklesis and the verb parakaleo may mean admonition, encouragement, or consolation according to the context; here the last is referred to [consolation] because the reference is to affliction.”  (The Interpretation of 1 and 2 Corinthians, 2 Cor 1:3.)

Lenski says “the comforting consists in the help that removes that pressure so that one breathes again or so that one is able to bear the distress without fainting.”  (Interpretation of 1 and 2 Corinthians, 2 Cor 1:4.)

JI Packer writes, “By ‘comfort [2 Cor 1:7],’ Paul means the encouragement that invigorates, not the relaxation that enervates.”  (Rediscovering Holiness, p. 235.)

G. Campbell Morgan writes, “What is comfort?... The word literally means strengthened, sustained.  It is a cognate word with the name given to the Holy Spirit.  That name is Paraclete…. Here this word ‘comfort’ is paraklesis… We may interpret comfort by the work of the Holy Spirit and say that the Spirit is the Comforter… This is more than consolation, it is underpinning [a solid foundation laid below ground level to support or strengthen a building].  It is coming to the side of someone and disannulling all his loneliness and his difficulty.”  (The Corinthians Letters of Paul, 2 Cor 1:3-7, p. 227.)

G. Campbell Morgan adds, “It is not consolation, it is the great thought of underpinned, strengthened comradeship called to the side of, and being by the side of upholding.  That is the great word, the upholding power that comes from God.” (The Corinthians Letters of Paul, 2 Cor 1:3-7, p. 227.)

The NIV Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says it means “consolation and encouragement.”

The ESV Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says, “Comfort is the overall disposition that comes from resting in God’s sovereign and loving rule as manifested in Christ’s lordship.”

The MacArthur Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says, “The Gr. word for “comfort” is related to the familiar word paraclete, “one who comes alongside to help,” another name for the Holy Spirit.  ‘Comfort’ often connotes softness and ease, but that is not its meaning here.  Paul was saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness.”

The NKJV Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says, “Comfort here means “exhortation,” “encouragement,” “cheer.” Paul used this word, sometimes translated “consolation,” ten times in the following five verses (vv. 3–7).”

The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (2 Cor 1:3) says, “Throughout this letter God’s comfort is his consoling, strengthening, and refreshing of believers in the midst of adversity.”

Kent Hughes says, “Here in our passage [2 Cor 1:3] the idea of comfort is “to strengthen much,” to encourage—to stand by another and encourage him as he endures testing.”  (2 Corinthians.)

The Pulpit Commentary (2 Cor 1:6) says, “encouragement and strengthening.”  Also, “the strength and the endurance.”

The Pulpit Commentary (2 Cor 1:3-7) describes God’s comforting as reviving one’s drooping spirit; assuaging one’s personal pain; soothing one’s unquiet nerves; and invigorating one’s tone of mind.  Also, to lift up the dejected; to animate the discouraged; to teach the afflicted to hope.

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible (2 Cor 1:3) “The word comfort (parakleseos) means to be by the side of another; to relieve and support; to give solace, consolation, and encouragement. But there is always an underlying meaning to the word. There is the idea of strength, an enablement, a confidence. It consoles and relieves a person, but it strengthens him at the same time. It charges a person to go out and face the world.”

Jesus promised that those who mourn will be comforted (parakaleo).  Mt 5:4

Simeon was looking forward to the coming Messiah, who is described as Israel’s consolation (paraklesis, 1874).  Lk 2:25

The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter (parakletos, 3875) in Jn 14:15-18; 26.

Encouragement (parakaleo) is the purpose of our gathering in church.  Heb 10:25

After he was raised from the dead, Eutychus’ parents were comforted (parakaleo). Acts 20:12

God comforts (parakaleo) us in our afflictions so that we can comfort (parakaleo) others.  2 Cor 1:3-7

Barnabas encouraged (parakaleo) the church in Antioch to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts.  Acts 11:23

Paul returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen the disciples by encouraging (parakaleo) them to continue in the faith.  Acts 14:22

Encouragement (paraklesis) comes from Scripture, which helps us endure.  Rm 15:4

God gives endurance and encouragement (paraklesis).  Rm 15:5

God comforts (parakaleo) the downcast.  2 Cor 7:6

Paul sent Timothy to the church in Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage (parakaleo) them concerning their faith so that they wouldn’t be shaken by affliction.  1 Thess 3:2

Believers are commanded to encourage (parakaleo) one another and build each other up.  1 Thess 5:11; Heb 3:13; Heb 10:25

Paul prayed for the church in Thessalonica, that God would encourage (parakaleo) their hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  2 Thess 2:17

Encouraging (parakaleo) is a big part of the preacher’s goal.  2 Tim 4:2

John calls Jesus the comforter (parakletos).  1 Jn 2:1