Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for παραμυθέομαι, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words such as נָחַם (nacham, Strong's Hebrew 5162), which means "to comfort" or "to console," and חָזַק (chazaq, Strong's Hebrew 2388), which means "to strengthen" or "to encourage." These terms reflect the Old Testament emphasis on providing comfort and encouragement within the community of faith.

Usage: This verb is used in the New Testament to describe the act of comforting or encouraging someone, often in the context of providing emotional support or reassurance.

Context: The Greek verb παραμυθέομαι appears in the New Testament as a term that conveys the act of comforting or encouraging others. It is a compound word, combining the preposition παρά, meaning "beside" or "alongside," with μῦθος, which can mean "speech" or "story." This etymology suggests a form of communication that comes alongside someone to offer support or consolation.

In the New Testament, παραμυθέομαι is used in contexts where believers are encouraged to support one another through words of comfort and encouragement. This reflects a key aspect of Christian community life, where mutual support and encouragement are vital for spiritual growth and perseverance.

An example of its usage can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (BSB): "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Here, παραμυθέομαι is translated as "encourage," highlighting the role of believers in uplifting those who are discouraged or struggling.

The act of παραμυθέομαι is not merely about offering platitudes but involves genuine empathy and understanding, providing comfort that is rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the hope found in Christ. It is an expression of love and care that strengthens the bonds within the body of Christ.