Lexical Summary paramuthia: Comfort, Consolation, Encouragement Original Word: παραμυθία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance comfort. From paramutheomai; consolation (properly, abstract) -- comfort. see GREEK paramutheomai HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3889 paramythía (a feminine noun) – "primarily 'a speaking closely to anyone' (para, 'near,' mythos, 'speech'); hence it denotes 'consolation, comfort,' with a greater degree of tenderness than 3874 (paráklēsis)" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 111, italics added). See 3888 (paramytheomai). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paramutheomai Definition encouragement, exhortation, comfort NASB Translation consolation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3889: παραμυθίαπαραμυθία, παραμυθιας, ἡ (παραμυθέομαι), in classical Greek any address, whether made for the purpose of persuading, or of arousing and stimulating, or of calming and consoling; once in the N. T., like the Latinallocutio (Seneca, ad Marc. 1; ad Helv. 1), equivalent to consolation, comfort: 1 Corinthians 14:3. (So Plato, Ax., p. 365 a.; Aeschines dial. Socrates 3, 3; Josephus, b. j. 3, 7, 15; Lucian, dial. mort. 15, 3; Aelian v. h. 12, 1 at the end.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Nuance Strong’s Greek 3889, παραμυθία (paramythía), denotes verbal consolation that calms distress, relieves grief, and instills quiet confidence. Whereas παράκλησις (paraklēsis) often calls to action, παραμυθία emphasizes gentle solace—words that soothe aching hearts and steady the faint-hearted. Biblical Occurrence The term appears only once in the Greek New Testament, in Paul’s discussion of congregational prophecy: Here παραμυθία stands alongside οἰκοδομή (“edification,” the strengthening of faith) and παράκλησις (“encouragement,” the stirring to obedience). Together they sketch a three-fold purpose for Spirit-guided speech in the church: build up, urge on, and quiet fears. Old Testament Background Although παραμυθία itself is not used in the Septuagint, its idea permeates passages such as Isaiah 40:1, “Comfort, comfort My people,” and Psalm 119:50, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise revives me.” Divine consolation consists of declared truth that repairs the inner man. The prophets called Israel to rest in God’s covenant faithfulness; the New Testament continues that pattern within the body of Christ. Relation to Prophecy and Spiritual Gifts In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul corrects Corinthian fascination with tongues by elevating intelligible prophecy. A genuine prophetic word is not a display of ecstatic ability; its fruit is discernible benefit to hearers. Παραμυθία marks the tenderest of those benefits, reminding believers that every spiritual gift is measured by the love it conveys (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Words that magnify Christ yet leave mourning saints unassuaged fall short of New Testament prophecy’s aim. Pastoral Implications 1. Bereavement ministry. Christ-centered consolation carries unique authority (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Christological Fulfillment Jesus embodies and secures lasting comfort. Simeon awaited “the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25); that consolation arrives in Christ’s atonement, resurrection, and promised return. Through the Holy Spirit, believers taste now what will be perfected in the age to come (John 14:16-18; Romans 8:23). Eschatological Comfort Final consolation crowns redemptive history: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4). The fleeting comfort offered by human sympathy finds its ultimate anchor in the unshakeable hope of resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:14-18). Historical Usage in the Early Church Patristic writers such as Chrysostom cite 1 Corinthians 14:3 to describe homiletic goals—doctrine must end in παραμυθία for the afflicted. Early Christian letters (e.g., the Martyrdom of Polycarp) emulate Paul’s triad, mingling instruction with warm consolation to persecuted believers. Practical Application for Today • Shape pastoral care around Scripture-saturated words that both exhort and soothe. Related Concepts and Further Study Paraklēsis (Strong’s 3874), Paramytheomai (Strong’s 3888), Oikodomē (Strong’s 3619), Consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25), God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7), Comfort in suffering (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Forms and Transliterations παραμυθιαν παραμυθίαν paramuthian paramythian paramythíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |