G3875:

Brief Overview of παράκλητος (Strong’s G3875: paraklētos)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παράκλητος (paraklētos) translates as “comforter,” “advocate,” or “helper,” and it plays a significant role in Christian theology, particularly in relation to the Holy Spirit. This term is notably used in John 14:16, where Jesus promises His disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit as a “comforter” to be with them forever. The word carries rich connotations of support, encouragement, and intercession, highlighting the relational aspect of the divine presence among believers. Rooted in the idea of being “called alongside” to aid or support, παράκλητος emphasizes the profound connection between the divine and humanity, reflecting God’s desire to be intimately involved in the lives of His followers.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παράκλητος, transliterated as paraklētos, pronounced [pah-rah-KLAY-tos].

Etymology: The term is derived from the combination of the prefix παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and the verb καλέω (kaleō), meaning “to call.” This etymology underscores the meaning of being called to assist or support someone.

Part of Speech: Noun. παράκλητος is a masculine noun in Greek, often associated with roles of advocacy and support.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Comforter: The primary meaning of παράκλητος refers to someone who provides comfort or solace. In the context of the Holy Spirit, it indicates a divine presence that offers peace, reassurance, and strength to believers.

Advocate: Another significant meaning is “advocate” or “intercessor.” This role emphasizes the idea of standing beside someone to defend or support them, particularly in spiritual matters.

Helper: Additionally, παράκλητος can denote a helper or companion, reflecting the supportive and nurturing aspect of the Holy Spirit’s relationship with believers.

Exploring Similar Words

παρακαλέω (parakaleō) [pah-rah-kah-LEH-oh]: This verb means “to call alongside” or “to encourage.” While παράκλητος refers to the person providing support, παρακαλέω focuses on the action of calling or urging someone.

παρηγορία (parēgoría) [pah-ree-go-REE-ah]: This noun translates as “consolation” or “comfort.” It relates closely to παράκλητος but emphasizes a more passive aspect of comfort, without the active role of advocacy.

συμπαραστασία (symparastasia) [soom-pah-ra-STAH-see-ah]: This term means “assistance” or “support.” It differs from παράκλητος in that it lacks the specific connotation of comfort or advocacy found in the latter term.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παράκλητος is in the nominative case, singular number, and masculine gender.

Declension: It follows the second declension pattern, which is typical for masculine nouns in Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term παράκλητος has been examined in various Greek lexicons, each offering unique insights into its usage and significance. BDAG highlights the dual aspect of the word, emphasizing its role as both a comforter and advocate. Thayer’s lexicon discusses its theological implications, particularly in relation to the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and supporting believers. LSJ connects the term to broader philosophical discussions on friendship and support in ancient Greek culture. Vine’s expounds on its usage in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus’ promises about the Holy Spirit. Strong’s reiterates the importance of παράκλητος in conveying God’s desire to provide for His followers, while LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide additional insights into its application across various texts.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 14:16: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (παράκλητος), to be with you forever.”

2. John 14:26: “But the Helper (παράκλητος), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

3. 1 John 2:1: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate (παράκλητος) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παράκλητος appears in contexts related to support and intercession.

Aristotle, Rhetoric: “In times of distress, the wise friend is a true παράκλητος, offering the counsel needed for comfort and action.”

Plato, Laws: “The role of the legislator should be that of a παράκλητος, guiding the citizens toward the good with wisdom and compassion.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates was often seen as a παράκλητος to his followers, encouraging them to pursue virtue and wisdom.”

In the Septuagint, while the term itself may not appear, similar themes of comfort and support are expressed:

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort (παράκλησις), comfort my people, says your God.”

Septuagint Example 2: Psalm 94:19: “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations (παράκλησις) cheer my soul.”

Septuagint Example 3: Jeremiah 31:13: “Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry; I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort (παράκλησις) them and give them gladness for sorrow.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παράκλητος is vital for understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It encompasses the concepts of comfort, advocacy, and support, reflecting the relational nature of God with His people. This term not only highlights the active role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and encouraging believers but also emphasizes the theological significance of divine presence and support in the Christian faith.

Did You Know?

The concept of the παράκλητος as the “Comforter” in Christianity is unique, as it signifies the ongoing presence of God through the Holy Spirit, actively participating in the lives of believers.

The term is often associated with themes of hope and reassurance, particularly in moments of uncertainty and distress, embodying the essence of God’s promise to His people.

In ancient Greek culture, the role of a παράκλητος was not just that of a helper but also involved providing wise counsel and support, reflecting the importance of community in personal growth.

Strong’s G3875: παράκλητος (paraklētos) signifies “comforter” or “advocate,” highlighting its role in fostering relationships and providing divine support and encouragement.

Part of Speech: Noun

Tags: Greek, New Testament, theology, comfort, advocacy, Holy Spirit, relational dynamics, language studies.