G3874:

Brief Overview of παρακαλήσις (Strong’s G3874: paraklēseis)

Unveiling the Word

The Greek term παρακαλήσις (paraklēseis) translates primarily to “exhortation,” “encouragement,” or “comfort.” It denotes a call to action or a plea for support, emphasizing the relational aspect of one person urging or comforting another. In Luke 2:25, the term is used to describe Simeon, who was “waiting for the consolation (παρακαλήσις) of Israel,” indicating the deep longing and hope associated with divine promises. This term carries significant implications in both the Old and New Testament contexts, representing not just a form of support but also a theological concept of hope and divine intervention. The roots of παρακαλήσις stem from the verb παρακαλέω (parakaleō), which means “to call alongside” or “to urge,” showcasing its integral link to the ideas of companionship and communal support.

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Necessary Information

Greek Word: παρακαλήσις, transliterated as paraklēseis, pronounced [pah-rah-kah-LAY-sis].

Etymology: The word derives from the combination of παρά (para), meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and καλέω (kaleō), meaning “to call.” This etymology emphasizes the idea of calling someone to one’s side for encouragement or support.

Part of Speech: Noun. παρακαλήσις is a feminine noun, and it is found in the first declension category in Greek grammar.

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

Defining Meanings

Exhortation: The primary meaning of παρακαλήσις refers to the act of urging or encouraging someone to take action or adopt a particular stance.

Comfort: It also denotes a sense of comfort, providing emotional or spiritual reassurance during times of distress or uncertainty.

Consolation: Additionally, it can imply consolation, particularly in a theological sense, as seen in the context of hope for the promised Messiah or divine intervention.

Exploring Similar Words

παρακαλέω (parakaleō) [pah-rah-kah-LEH-oh]: This verb form means “to call alongside” or “to encourage,” serving as the root of παρακαλήσις. While παρακαλήσις refers to the act of encouragement, παρακαλέω emphasizes the action of calling or urging.

ἐνθαρρύνω (entharrynō) [en-tha-RU-noo]: This verb means “to encourage” or “to strengthen.” It differs from παρακαλήσις in that it focuses more on strengthening someone’s resolve rather than simply comforting or exhorting.

παρηγορία (parēgoría) [pah-ree-go-REE-ah]: This noun means “consolation” or “comfort,” similar in meaning to παρακαλήσις. However, it emphasizes a more soothing aspect, while παρακαλήσις often includes a call to action or encouragement.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

Case, Number, Gender: παρακαλήσις is in the nominative case, singular number, and feminine gender.

Declension: It follows the first declension pattern, typical for feminine nouns in Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from various Greek lexicons provide a comprehensive understanding of παρακαλήσις in both historical and theological contexts. BDAG emphasizes its use in both secular and religious texts, highlighting its role in community support and teaching. Thayer’s lexicon discusses the concept of encouragement in the context of spiritual growth and communal life. LSJ connects its classical uses to philosophical discussions on friendship and support, while Vine’s elaborates on its theological implications in the New Testament, particularly in relation to the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter.” Strong’s reinforces the importance of the term in scriptural contexts, linking it to hope and divine consolation. LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide additional insights into its usage across various literary forms, enhancing our understanding of its meaning.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 2:25: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation (παρακαλήσις) of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”

2. 2 Corinthians 1:5: “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort (παρακαλήσις) too.”

3. Philippians 2:1: “So if there is any encouragement (παρακαλήσις) in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, παρακαλήσις appears in various contexts to convey themes of encouragement and support.

Plato, The Republic: “The philosopher should encourage (παρακαλήσις) the youth, guiding them toward the truth with patience and understanding.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “Friendship is a source of comfort (παρακαλήσις), essential for virtuous living, as it allows us to share in both joy and sorrow.”

Xenophon, Memorabilia: “Socrates often provided consolation (παρακαλήσις) to his followers, emphasizing the importance of companionship in learning.”

In the Septuagint, the word is used to reflect God’s comfort and support:

Septuagint Example 1: Psalm 119:50: “This is my comfort (παρακαλήσις) in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

Septuagint Example 2: Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort (παρακαλήσις), comfort my people, says your God.”

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 (παρακαλήσις) them and give them gladness for sorrow.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παρακαλήσις embodies the rich themes of encouragement, comfort, and support that resonate throughout biblical and classical literature. Its usage in various contexts reveals the importance of relational dynamics in both personal and communal life, highlighting the power of support in spiritual and emotional realms. Understanding παρακαλήσις provides deeper insight into the nature of human relationships as well as the divine care and consolation that God offers.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, providing encouragement was considered a vital aspect of friendship and community, with philosophers emphasizing its role in personal development.

The term παρακαλήσις is closely related to the concept of the “Paraclete,” often translated as “Comforter,” referring to the Holy Spirit’s role in providing guidance and encouragement to believers.

In the New Testament, παρακαλήσις is frequently linked to themes of hope, particularly in the context of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

Strong’s G3874: παρακαλήσις (paraklēseis) signifies “exhortation” or “encouragement,” highlighting its role in fostering relationships and providing hope and comfort.

Part of Speech: Noun

Tags: Greek, New Testament, biblical studies, language, vocabulary, encouragement, comfort, relational dynamics, theology.