Brief Overview of παραμυθία (Strong’s G3889: paramuthia)

A Greek noun meaning “comfort” or “consolation,” παραμυθία first appears in 1 Corinthians 14:3 in the context of prophetic ministry. It represents comfort delivered through both presence and words, particularly in pastoral and community settings.

U – Unveiling the Word

παραμυθία is a compound word combining παρά (“beside”) with μῦθος (“word”), literally meaning “a speaking close beside.” Its primary meaning conveys comfort through personal presence and gentle speech, while secondarily indicating encouragement through persuasion. In the New Testament, it appears specifically within prophetic speech and congregational edification contexts.

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Theological Development:
In early church writings, particularly those of John Chrysostom, παραμυθία became central to pastoral theology, emphasizing the ministry of presence in comfort-giving. This understanding shaped both grief ministry and pastoral care practices throughout church history. Today, it remains foundational in Christian counseling, grief support, and community care.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραμυθία, paramuthia
• Pronunciation Guide:
• Basic: /pa-ra-moo-THEE-ah/
• Syllable Breakdown:
  • πα (pa) as in “father”
  • ρα (ra) as in “rather”
  • μυ (moo) as in “moon”
  • θί (thee) as in “thee”
  • α (ah) as in “father”
• Stress on THEE syllable
• Etymology: From παρά (para, “beside”) + μῦθος (muthos, “word, speech”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

D – Defining Meanings

Primary meaning: Comfort or consolation provided through personal presence and words, especially in contexts of grief or distress.

Secondary meaning: Encouragement given through gentle persuasion rather than command.

Tertiary meaning: The state of being consoled through supportive speech and presence.

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παράκλησις (paraklesis): More general encouragement/exhortation
• παρηγορία (paregoria): Physical/emotional comfort with less emphasis on speech
• παραμύθιον (paramuthion): The means or instrument of comfort

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative: παραμυθία (comfort)
• Genitive: παραμυθίας (of comfort)
• Dative: παραμυθίᾳ (to/with comfort)
• Accusative: παραμυθίαν (comfort as object)

Related Word Forms:

• Verb form: παραμυθέομαι (to comfort)
• Neuter noun: παραμύθιον (means of comfort)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in prophetic ministry and pastoral care. Thayer’s highlights the gentle nature of the comfort given. LSJ notes its classical usage in funeral orations. Vine’s connects it to personal presence in comfort-giving. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature. Moulton and Milligan document its use in pastoral letters and consolation contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: 1 Corinthians 14:3

“But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort [παραμυθία] to men.”

Related occurrences (verbal form παραμυθέομαι):
John 11:19
John 11:31
1 Thessalonians 2:11
1 Thessalonians 5:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραμυθία embodies the concept of comfort through both presence and words, particularly in pastoral and prophetic contexts. Its compound structure emphasizes the importance of coming alongside others while offering gentle, consoling speech.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in classical Greek funeral orations before its Christian adaptation.
2. It’s the only feminine noun in its word family, possibly emphasizing the nurturing aspect of comfort.
3. Early church fathers specifically connected this word to the “ministry of presence.”

Strong’s G3889: Feminine noun denoting comfort through presence and words. Compound of παρά (beside) + μῦθος (word). Used in prophetic and pastoral contexts for consolation. Significant in early church ministry, evolving from classical funeral orations to Christian pastoral care.

Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine, First Declension)

Tags: #GreekNoun #FeminineNoun #Comfort #Consolation #PropheticMinistry #PastoralCare #ChurchLife #SpiritualGifts #Corinthians #NewTestament

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