Brief Overview of παραμυθέομαι (Strong’s G3888: paramutheomai)

παραμυθέομαι is a rich Greek verb that primarily means “to comfort, console, or encourage.” First appearing in John 11:19, it carries the sense of coming alongside someone to offer comfort and speaks to the heart of pastoral care in early Christian communities.

U – Unveiling the Word

παραμυθέομαι is a compound word that literally means “to speak close beside.” It combines παρά (beside) with μῦθος (word, speech). In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the act of consoling or comforting others through gentle speech and encouragement. This word beautifully captures the essence of compassionate care and remains deeply relevant today in pastoral counseling, grief support, and community care practices.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραμυθέομαι, paramutheomai, /pa-ra-moo-THE-o-mai/
• Etymology: From παρά (para, “beside”) + μῦθος (muthos, “word, speech”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

D – Defining Meanings

Primary meaning: To speak to someone in a way that offers comfort and consolation, especially in times of grief or distress.

Secondary meaning: To encourage or exhort someone, with an emphasis on gentle persuasion rather than commanding.

Tertiary meaning: To speak soothingly or in a conciliatory manner to someone.

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρακαλέω (parakaleo): Similar meaning but emphasizes exhortation and encouragement more than comfort
• παρηγορέω (paregoreo): To console or comfort, but with less emphasis on verbal communication
• παραινέω (paraineo): To advise or exhort, but without the specific comfort aspect

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παραμυθέομαι has these features:

• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Present, Aorist

Example morphological changes:

• Present: παραμυθέομαι (I comfort)
• Aorist: παρεμυθησάμην (I comforted)
• Participle: παραμυθούμενος (comforting)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines παραμυθέομαι as primarily meaning “to speak to someone in a friendly way,” especially with the intent of consoling or encouraging. Thayer’s emphasizes its use in contexts of bereavement. LSJ notes its classical usage in the sense of consolation and gentle persuasion. Vine’s connects it to the concept of coming alongside someone in their grief.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: John 11:19

“And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort [παραμυθέομαι] them concerning their brother.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραμυθέομαι embodies the concept of providing comfort through gentle, encouraging speech. It particularly emphasizes coming alongside someone in their grief or distress, offering consolation through both presence and words.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word reflects an ancient Greek understanding of comfort as an active, verbal process rather than just emotional support.
2. In early Christian communities, this word became associated with the ministry of consolation to bereaved families.
3. The compound structure of the word emphasizes physical presence (παρά) combined with meaningful communication (μῦθος).

Strong’s G3888: παραμυθέομαι – A compound verb meaning “to speak consolingly beside someone,” derived from παρά (beside) + μῦθος (word). Used in contexts of grief comfort and gentle encouragement, especially in early Christian pastoral care. Emphasizes both presence and verbal consolation.

Part of Speech: Verb (Middle/Passive Deponent)

Tags: #GreekVerb #Comfort #Consolation #PastoralCare #GriefMinistry #Encouragement #NewTestamentGreek #BiblicalGreek #ChristianCounseling

Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​