Strong’s G3931: A noun meaning “comfort, consolation, or encouragement,” derived from παρά (beside) and ἀγορεύω (to speak). Used once in Colossians 4:11 to describe the comfort provided by fellow workers in ministry. Emphasizes personal, intentional consolation through presence and words.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρηγορία represents deep, personal comfort provided through presence and words. In its sole New Testament usage, Paul employs it to describe the comfort received from Jewish Christian coworkers during his imprisonment. The word carries the sense of coming alongside someone to provide encouragement. Early church fathers used this term to describe both pastoral care and mutual support among believers. Today, it continues to inform Christian understanding of authentic comfort and encouragement in ministry.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρηγορία, parēgoria, /par-ay-gor-EE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ay + gor (as in ‘gore’) + EE (stressed) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρά (para-): beside
• ἀγορεύω (agoreuō): to speak
• -ία (-ia): abstract noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Comfort
• Consolation
• Encouragement through presence

For compound words:
The combination creates the concept of speaking comfort while being present beside someone

Translation Options:

• “Comfort” – emphasizes emotional support
• “Consolation” – captures soothing aspect
• “Encouragement” – stresses strengthening element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παράκλησις (paraklēsis) /par-AK-lay-sis/ – comfort, more formal exhortation
• παραμυθία (paramythia) /par-ah-moo-THEE-ah/ – consolation, gentler comfort
• μακροθυμία (makrothymia) /mak-ro-thoo-MEE-ah/ – patience, enduring comfort

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρηγορία exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παρηγορία (nom.)
παρηγορίας (gen.)
παρηγορίᾳ (dat.)
παρηγορίαν (acc.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its personal nature of comfort. Thayer’s notes its connection to presence. LSJ documents medical usage for pain relief. Vine’s highlights its significance in ministry relationships. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in consolation contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a [παρηγορία] comfort to me” (Colossians 4:11)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρηγορία represents personal, presence-based comfort and encouragement, particularly significant in the context of ministry partnerships and mutual support among believers.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in medical contexts for pain relief
• It influenced early Christian pastoral care practices
• The word emphasizes physical presence in providing comfort

[Lexicon Summary]
A noun meaning “comfort, consolation, or encouragement,” derived from παρά (beside) and ἀγορεύω (to speak). Used once in Colossians 4:11 to describe the comfort provided by fellow workers in ministry. Emphasizes personal, intentional consolation through presence and words.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #comfort #ministry #paul #encouragement #presence #biblical_greek #new_testament #pastoral_care #fellowship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​