παρηγορία (parēgoria)
parēgoria
comfort
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun parēgoria denotes comfort or consolation, carrying a sense of relief and alleviation for someone in distress. Its roots lie in the verb parēgoreō, which combines a prefix meaning "with" or "alongside" with a term for speaking to an assembly. This etymology suggests that comfort is not merely a passive feeling but an active engagement—speaking alongside another person to encourage and steady them.
In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Colossians 4:11, where it describes the role of Aristarchus and Mark as those who provided encouragement to Paul during his imprisonment. The context highlights that their presence and words served as a tangible source of solace, reinforcing the community bond even when physical freedom was absent.
Translators typically render parēgoria as "comfort," though this English term can sometimes feel abstract. The Greek original points more specifically to the act of addressing someone with encouragement, turning anxiety into relief through direct, supportive communication. This usage underscores that biblical consolation is often relational and verbal, rooted in the shared experience of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parēgoria points to more than just a quiet feeling of sadness lifting. It describes the active work of speaking alongside someone in distress, turning their anxiety into relief through direct support. In Colossians 4:11, Paul credits Aristarchus and Mark for being a comfort to him while he was imprisoned. Their presence and words were not passive; they actively steadied his heart.
When you feel overwhelmed, this concept reminds you that you do not have to carry your burdens alone. True comfort often comes through the tangible presence of others who share your faith. It is a reminder that God uses people to bring His peace into difficult seasons. We are designed to lean on one another, finding strength in shared encouragement.
May you find solace in knowing that your struggles are seen and supported by the community around you. Let this truth encourage you to offer similar support to others, creating a circle of care that reflects God's love. You are never isolated in your pain; there is always a hand ready to hold yours.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a comfort.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρηγορία.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 4:11
and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
This verse uniquely identifies Aristarchus and Mark as those who provided active verbal and relational comfort to Paul during his imprisonment.