Brief Overview of παραμύθιον (Strong’s G3890: paramythion)

παραμύθιον represents a word of comfort, consolation, or encouragement in New Testament Greek. It appears in contexts emphasizing emotional and spiritual support within Christian communities.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραμύθιον combines the preposition παρά (beside, alongside) with μῦθος (word, speech), creating the concept of “speaking closely beside someone” for comfort. In the New Testament context, it signifies intimate encouragement and consolation, reflecting the early church’s emphasis on mutual support and comfort. This word embodies the Christian practice of coming alongside others in their struggles, a principle that remains vital in modern pastoral care and Christian fellowship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραμύθιον, paramythion, /par-am-oo’-thee-on/
• Detailed Pronunciation: par (as in ‘par-ent’) – am (as in ‘am-ple’) – oo (as in ‘moon’) – thee (as in ‘thee’) – on (as in ‘on’)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)
• Etymology:
• παρά (para): prefix meaning “beside, alongside”
• μῦθος (mythos): root word meaning “word, speech”
• -ιον (ion): diminutive suffix indicating the concrete expression of the verbal action

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Comfort or consolation provided through words
• Secondary meaning: Encouragement or exhortation given personally
• Tertiary meaning: Soothing speech or discourse

Translation options:

1. “Consolation” – captures the nurturing aspect of comfort
2. “Encouragement” – emphasizes the strengthening nature
3. “Word of comfort” – reflects the verbal aspect of the comfort given

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παράκλησις (paraklēsis) – more formal encouragement or exhortation
• παραμυθία (paramythia) – similar meaning but feminine form
• παρηγορία (parēgoria) – consolation with focus on alleviating grief

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 2nd

The word can appear as:

• Nominative: παραμύθιον
• Genitive: παραμυθίου
• Dative: παραμυθίῳ
• Accusative: παραμύθιον

Related words:

• παραμυθέομαι (verb) – to encourage, console
• παραμυθητικός (adjective) – consoling, comforting

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines παραμύθιον as “that which serves as encouragement,” while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to persuasive discourse. LSJ notes its classical usage in contexts of consolation and gentle persuasion. Vine’s connects it to the concept of coming alongside to comfort, while Strong’s emphasizes its role in encouragement. LEH and Moulton-Milligan highlight its use in both religious and secular contexts of comfort-giving.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“If you have any encouragement [παραμύθιον] from being united with Christ” (Philippians 2:1)

Additional references:
1 Thessalonians 2:11
John 11:19
1 Corinthians 14:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραμύθιον represents personal, intimate encouragement within Christian community, combining the concepts of coming alongside (παρά) with words of comfort (μῦθος). Its usage emphasizes the importance of verbal consolation and support in building up the body of Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s root μῦθος originally meant any speech, not just mythological stories
2. Early Christian letters often used παραμύθιον in closing benedictions
3. The word appears in ancient medical texts for psychological comfort

Strong’s G3890: παραμύθιον – A word of comfort or encouragement, derived from παρά (beside) and μῦθος (word). Used in contexts of personal consolation and community support, reflecting early Christian practices of mutual care and emotional support.

Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter

Tags: #comfort #encouragement #consolation #GreekNouns #PhilippiansVocabulary #PastoralCare #ChristianCommunity #BiblicalGreek #NewTestamentWords #StrongsG3890

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