Lexical Summary paramuthion: Comfort, Consolation Original Word: παραμύθιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance comfort. Neuter of paramuthia; consolation (properly, concretely) -- comfort. see GREEK paramuthia HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3890 paramýthion (a neuter noun) – consolation (comfort) produced by using soothing words (actions). 3890 /paramýthion (as a neuter noun) focuses on the principle and results of comfort (being consoled). See 3888 (paramytheomai). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paramutheomai Definition exhortation, encouragement NASB Translation consolation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3890: παραμύθιονπαραμύθιον, παραμυθου, τό, (παραμυθέομαι),persuasive address: Philippians 2:1. (consolation, Wis. 3:18 and often in Greek writings (from Sophocles, Thucydides, Plato on).) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s 3890, paramuthion, occurs once in the New Testament, at Philippians 2:1, where Paul appeals to the believers’ shared experience of Christ to motivate unity and humble service. While the term itself is rare, its concept—personal consolation that quiets distress—is woven throughout Scripture and central to pastoral ministry. Context in Philippians 2:1 Philippians 2:1 ( ): “Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion….” Here paramuthion is rendered “comfort of love.” Paul is constructing a four-fold appeal: (1) encouragement in Christ, (2) comfort of love, (3) fellowship of the Spirit, (4) affection and compassion. The second phrase grounds consolation in divine love—the motivating force for the self-emptying mindset he will shortly exhort (Philippians 2:5-11). By placing paramuthion between “encouragement” and “fellowship,” Paul links personal consolation both to objective truth (“in Christ”) and to relational reality (“of the Spirit”), showing that genuine comfort cannot be divorced from doctrine or community. Theological Significance 1. Trinitarian Source. Comfort “of love” rests in the self-giving love of Father, Son, and Spirit, echoing 2 Corinthians 13:14. Old Testament Roots Although the Greek term itself is New Testament, the concept echoes passages like Isaiah 40:1 (“Comfort, comfort My people, says your God”) and Psalm 23:4 (“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”). These anticipate a Messiah who both suffers with and consoles His people, a strand fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 2:25; Hebrews 4:15). Related Greek Vocabulary • paraklēsis (3874) – encouragement, often public exhortation; stresses advocacy. Paramuthion therefore highlights the intimate, soothing aspect of consolation, whereas paraklēsis emphasizes exhortation and legal advocacy. Historical Church Usage Early patristic writings—such as Ignatius’s Epistle to the Ephesians—echo Paul’s call for mutual consolation grounded in love. Throughout church history, ministries of visitation, almsgiving, and hymnody have been viewed as practical expressions of paramuthion, reflecting Christ’s own healing words (Matthew 11:28-30). Pastoral and Ecclesial Application 1. Counseling and Care. Believers imitate Christ by bringing gentle words and tangible help to the hurting (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Christological Focus Jesus is the ultimate Consoler. His incarnation brought God’s comfort into human grief; His cross secured everlasting consolation (Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 2:17-18). Resurrection and ascension guarantee a future where “He will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4). Thus, paramuthion in Philippians 2:1 is an invitation to participate in the ongoing ministry of the risen Lord through Spirit-empowered love. Conclusion Though occurring only once, Strong’s 3890 radiates rich implications: believers, sustained by divine love, are called to minister Christ-centered consolation that fosters unity, reflects the gospel, and anticipates the final comfort of God’s eternal kingdom. Forms and Transliterations παραμυθιον παραμύθιον παρανηλώμεθα paramuthion paramythion paramýthionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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