παράκλησις

exhortation, entreaty, encouragement, comfort

Definition

Paraklēsis is a rich Greek word meaning 'a calling to one's side' for aid, which develops into several related senses in the New Testament. Primarily, it means 'exhortation' or 'urgent encouragement' to right action, as when Paul urges believers to use the gift of exhortation (Romans 12:8) or when synagogue rulers invite a 'word of exhortation' (Acts 13:15). It also carries the strong sense of 'consolation' or 'comfort,' especially the comfort that comes from God, as seen in the description of the Holy Spirit as the 'Comforter' (paraklētos) and in the comfort the early church experienced (Acts 9:31). In some contexts, like Luke 6:24, it refers to the 'consolation' or solace people seek in worldly things.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 28 times across the New Testament, appearing in Luke-Acts, the Pauline epistles, and Hebrews. In Luke and Acts, it often denotes prophetic consolation or communal encouragement (Luke 2:25; Acts 4:36; Acts 15:31). Paul frequently uses it for mutual exhortation within the Christian community (Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:4) and for the comfort derived from Scripture and hope (Romans 15:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7). The usage consistently blends active urging with passive comforting, reflecting the dual ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Etymology

Derived from the verb parakaleō, meaning 'to call alongside, summon, or exhort.' It combines the preposition para ('beside, alongside') with a root related to kaleō ('to call'). Thus, its core idea is a calling to one's side for help, encouragement, or consolation. The related noun paraklētos ('advocate, helper') is used of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) and Jesus (1 John 2:1).

Semantic Range

Paraklēsis is theologically significant as it captures the dual ministry of the Holy Spirit and Scripture: both to convict/exhort believers toward holiness and to comfort them in suffering. It is central to understanding Christian community as mutually encouraging (Hebrews 10:25) and God's character as the 'God of all comfort' (2 Corinthians 1:3). Grasping this word enriches reading by showing that biblical encouragement is not mere positivity but a Spirit-empowered call to persevere in faith, grounded in divine consolation.

In the Greco-Roman world, exhortation (paraklēsis) was a key element of philosophical discourse and moral instruction, where teachers urged students toward virtue. In a Jewish context, especially in the Septuagint, the word was associated with the prophetic comfort and consolation promised by God, particularly for Israel (e.g., Isaiah 40:1). The New Testament merges these concepts, presenting Christian exhortation as both moral urging and eschatological comfort rooted in God's promises.

paramythia (G3889) — more focused on gentle consolation or comforting talk; nouthesia (G3559) — correction or admonition, with a stronger emphasis on warning; parakaleō (G3870) — the verb form, meaning to exhort, comfort, or entreat; paraklētos (G3875) — the 'one called alongside,' a helper or advocate, used of the Holy Spirit.

Word Details

Scripture References