παραμυθία (paramuthia)
paramuthia
comfort
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paramuthia refers to speech that encourages or comforts. It comes from a verb meaning to call alongside someone to help them face a situation. In the New Testament, it describes words that strengthen, console, or exhort believers.
It appears only once in 1 Corinthians 14:3, where Paul says spiritual gifts should build up the church through encouragement and comfort. This shows its practical role in community life — not just abstract theology, but real support for people’s struggles.
The word carries both emotional warmth and active purpose. It is not passive sympathy, but engaged speech that lifts others up. Translators often render it “comfort,” though this can sound too gentle; the Greek implies strength and direction as well as solace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paramuthia describes more than a gentle pat on the back. It comes from a root meaning to call someone alongside you to help them face a difficult situation. In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul links this comfort with edification and exhortation. This shows that true biblical comfort is active. It involves speaking truth that strengthens the listener’s faith and guides their steps forward.
When you offer this kind of support to others, you are participating in God’s work. Your words can become a source of stability for someone who feels overwhelmed. This is not about fixing every problem instantly, but about standing with the person and pointing them toward hope. It is a practical way to love your neighbor in the midst of their struggles.
May you find strength in knowing that your voice matters. When you speak words that encourage and build up, you reflect the heart of Christ. Let your conversations be marked by this kind of engaged care, bringing peace and direction to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- consolation.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραμυθίαν.1×