παράκλησις (paraklēsis)
paraklēsis
encouragement
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paraklēsis describes a powerful act of coming alongside to strengthen someone, carrying meanings that range from earnest appeal to deep comfort. Its root sense involves calling near for aid, which explains why it can mean an entreaty or plea, as seen in Paul’s description of the Macedonians’ urgent request for partnership (2 Corinthians 8:4). In other contexts, it refers to the persuasive speech given to encourage faith, such as the words spoken by Barnabas to stir up joy in the early church (Acts 4:36).
Perhaps its most frequent use is for consolation or comfort, particularly that which comes from God. Paul frequently speaks of the "God of all comfort" who comforts believers in their afflictions so they can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This divine comfort is not merely a fleeting feeling but a substantial support rooted in Scripture, as Romans 15:4 notes that the writings provide encouragement and hope. The word also appears in Luke’s account of Simeon waiting for the "consolation of Israel," linking it to the Messianic hope (Luke 2:25).
Translators often render paraklēsis as comfort, exhortation, or consolation depending on the context, reflecting its versatility. Whether it is a plea for help, a stirring address, or a soothing presence, the word consistently points to relational support that sustains people in difficult circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes the act of coming alongside someone to strengthen them when they are weary. It is not a distant observation but a close, relational support that offers comfort, hope, and steady encouragement. When life feels heavy, this divine aid provides a solid foundation that helps you stand firm.
God is often called the God of all comfort because He meets us in our deepest afflictions. He does not just offer sympathy; He gives us the strength to endure and the capacity to support others who are struggling. This shared experience creates a bond of hope that sustains the community of believers through every season.
Whether you receive this comfort from Scripture or from fellow Christians, it is meant to be passed on. The encouragement you find today becomes the strength for someone else tomorrow. May you feel the steady presence of God’s grace and share that same peace with those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- comfort9×
- encouragement6×
- with encouragement,1×
- to exhortation,1×
- the exhortation1×
- of exhortation;1×
- of exhortation1×
- of encouragement1×
- exhortation,1×
- exhortation1×
- entreaty1×
- encouragement.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρακλήσεως8×
- παράκλησιν7×
- παράκλησις3×
- παρακλήσει,3×
- παρακλήσει3×
- παρακλήσεως,2×
- παρακλήσεως·1×
- παρακλήσεως.¶1×
- παρακλήσει.1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 1:4
who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
This verse explains the purpose of divine comfort: to equip believers to support others who are facing similar hardships.
-
Romans 15:4
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
It highlights how ancient Scripture provides the specific endurance and hope needed for daily life.
-
Luke 2:25
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
This reference links the word to the Messianic hope, showing it as a deep longing for God's restoration of His people.
-
Acts 15:31
When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.
It shows how written communication can bring genuine joy and strengthening to a struggling community.