Lexical Summary parégoria: Comfort, Consolation Original Word: παραγορία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance comfort. From a compound of para and a derivative of agora (meaning to harangue an assembly); an address alongside, i.e. (specially), consolation -- comfort. see GREEK para see GREEK agora HELPS Word-studies 3931 parēgoría (from parēgoreō, "to speak or counsel in a soothing way") – properly, comfort, solace (relief); consolation that alleviates by bringing soothing relief, taking away unnecessary pain and discomfort (LS). 3931 /parēgoría ("soothing help") is "primarily an addressing (address) to bring a soothing, solace like medicines which allay irritation" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 111). 3931 /parēgoría ("soothing exhortation, consolation) is only used in Col 4:11. [This is also the meaning of 3931 (parēgoría) in secular antiquity. 3931 (parēgoría) is used in medical language for "alleviation" (J. B. Lightfoot, Comm. on Col., 237), i.e. "comfort" in the sense of "to quiet or soothe" (M. Vincent). The English term paregoric, "soothing medication," comes from this Greek word.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom parégoreó (to address) Definition exhortation, comfort NASB Translation encouragement (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3931: παρηγορίαπαρηγορία, παρηγοριας, ἡ (παρηγορέω (to address)), properly, an addressing, address; i. e. a. exhortation (4 Macc. 5:11; 6:1; Apoll. Rh. 2, 1281). b. comfort, solace, relief, alleviation, consolation: Colossians 4:11 (where see Lightfoot). (Aeschylus Ag. 95; Philo, q. deus immort. § 14; de somn. i., § 18; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 3; often in Plutarch; Hierocl.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 3931 describes a gracious ministry of verbal and personal support that turns anxiety into serenity and weariness into renewed resolve. Although it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its single use in Colossians 4:11 — “These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are a comfort to me” — opens a window onto the indispensable role of encouragement in apostolic work, church life, and Christian perseverance. Historical and Linguistic Background In classical writings the noun referred to soothing speech offered beside one who is in pain or distress, whether physical or emotional. Physicians used the term for calming words administered alongside medicine; orators spoke of it as rhetorical balm for wounded spirits. By New Testament times the idea had deep roots in Greek culture: mature counsel given at close range, tailored to the sufferer’s need, delivered with the warmth of companionship. Paul adopts this nuanced idea to describe the effect certain coworkers had upon him during imprisonment in Rome. Immediate Context in Colossians 4:10–11 Paul lists Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus called Justus as his only fellow Jews laboring with him for the kingdom. Far from a casual compliment, his term reveals how profoundly their presence met a pressing personal need. The apostle faced chains (Colossians 4:3), potential execution, and the daily burden of “concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). Human friendship, seasoned with faith, became God’s instrument of relief. Their encouragement: • affirmed Paul’s Jewish identity at a time when many among “the circumcision” viewed him with suspicion; Intertextual Connections While other Greek terms for comfort dominate the New Testament (notably the family of παράκλησις), the appearance of this rarer word highlights the breadth and richness of biblical consolation. • Isaiah’s chorus “Comfort, comfort My people” (Isaiah 40:1) anticipates God’s redemptive solace now realized in Christ. Strong’s 3931 therefore complements a broader scriptural tapestry in which encouragement is both divine gift and human responsibility. Theological Significance 1. Trinitarian goodness: The Father initiates comfort, the Son embodies it (Luke 2:25), and the Spirit applies it (John 14:16). Practical Implications for Church Life • Intentional presence: The ministry conveyed by Strong’s 3931 thrives in proximity — hospital rooms, prison cells, or kitchen tables — where words become incarnate. Pastoral Counseling and Soul Care Historical manuals of pastoral theology often cite Colossians 4:11 to illustrate biblically balanced counseling: truth joined with warmth, doctrine with solidarity. Whether comforting the bereaved, guiding the anxious, or restoring the fallen (Galatians 6:1–2), believers follow the example of Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, whose quiet ministry fortified an apostle and, by extension, every church he served. Christological Reflection Ultimately Jesus Christ is the archetypal comforter. Isaiah 61:1–2, fulfilled in Luke 4:18–19, portrays Him proclaiming good news to the poor and binding up the brokenhearted. Every act of Christian encouragement echoes His voice and anticipates the day when “He will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4). Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3931 testifies that behind every public advance of the gospel lies a hidden ministry of faithful encouragers. Their gentle words and steadfast presence become, in God’s providence, strategic resources for kingdom expansion, visible proof of the body’s interdependence, and foretastes of the everlasting consolation awaiting all who trust in Christ. Forms and Transliterations μοι παρηγορια παρηγορία παρθένεια παρθένεία παρθένια moi paregoria paregoría parēgoria parēgoríaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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