παραμύθιον (paramuthion)
paramuthion
comfort
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paramuthion refers to a persuasive address that brings encouragement or consolation. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Philippians 2:1, where Paul lists it alongside other relational bonds as a reason for unity among believers.
Its root verb means to speak beside someone, implying a supportive presence rather than distant advice. The sources highlight that this term covers both exhortation and comfort, suggesting that true encouragement often involves speaking truth into another’s situation to ease their burden.
This single usage in the New Testament ties the concept directly to communal life. Paul treats it not as a private feeling but as a shared experience of mutual support, where believers strengthen one another through words that persuade and uplift.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word paramuthion describes a specific kind of comfort that goes beyond simple sympathy. It comes from a root meaning to speak alongside someone, suggesting that true encouragement is an active presence rather than distant advice. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, anchoring the concept of consolation firmly in the context of community life.
When Paul uses this word in Philippians 2:1, he links it directly to unity among believers. He suggests that genuine comfort is not just a private feeling but a shared experience where we strengthen one another through words that persuade and uplift. This reminds us that our faith is lived out in relationship, where speaking truth into each other's situations helps ease burdens.
For your daily walk, this offers a practical invitation to be present with those who are struggling. It calls you to listen, to speak kindly, and to offer support that aligns with the love of Christ. By engaging in this mutual encouragement, we reflect the bond of the Spirit and build up the body of believers together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- comfort1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραμύθιον1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:1
If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul grounds the call for unity in the shared experience of divine comfort and love.