Topical Encyclopedia The term "comfortless" refers to a state of being without consolation, relief, or solace. In the biblical context, it often describes a condition of deep sorrow, distress, or abandonment, where an individual or group feels devoid of comfort or support. This state can be both physical and spiritual, reflecting a profound sense of desolation.Biblical Instances and Themes 1. Lamentations and Mourning: The Book of Lamentations vividly portrays the comfortless state of Jerusalem following its destruction. The prophet Jeremiah laments the city's desolation and the absence of comforters: "For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, for there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed" (Lamentations 1:16). This passage highlights the deep sorrow and the lack of consolation experienced by the people. 2. Job's Suffering: Job's experience is another profound example of being comfortless. Despite the presence of his friends, Job finds no solace in their words, as they fail to understand his plight and instead accuse him of wrongdoing. Job expresses his anguish, saying, "Miserable comforters are you all!" (Job 16:2). His friends' inability to provide true comfort underscores the depth of his isolation and distress. 3. The Psalms: The Psalms frequently express feelings of being comfortless, often in the context of seeking God's presence and help. Psalm 77 reflects a cry for divine comfort: "Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has His promise failed for all time?" (Psalm 77:7-8). The psalmist's questions reveal a struggle with feeling abandoned and without comfort, yet they also demonstrate a turning to God as the ultimate source of solace. 4. Jesus' Promise of the Comforter: In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the comfortless state of His disciples as He prepares to leave them. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to be with them: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). This promise signifies the provision of divine comfort and presence through the Holy Spirit, addressing the disciples' impending sense of loss and abandonment. 5. Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul addresses the comfortless state in his letters, emphasizing the role of God as the "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). Paul writes to the Corinthians about the comfort received from God, which enables believers to comfort others in their afflictions. This teaching highlights the reciprocal nature of comfort within the Christian community, where those who have received divine comfort are called to extend it to others. Theological Implications The concept of being comfortless in the Bible often serves to highlight the human need for divine intervention and the insufficiency of worldly solutions to address deep spiritual and emotional distress. It underscores the importance of turning to God as the ultimate source of comfort and the role of the Holy Spirit in providing ongoing consolation and support to believers. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's faithfulness in providing comfort, even in the midst of profound sorrow and desolation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Without comfort or comforts; in want or distress; cheerless.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COMFORTLESSkum'-fert-les (orphanous, "orphans"): The Greek original is found but twice in the New Testament; rendered "comfortless" in John 14:18, the Revised Version (British and American) "desolate"; "fatherless" in James 1:27 (compare Psalm 68:5). The term signifies bereft of a father, parents, guardian, teacher, guide, and indicates what must be the permanent ministry of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus, in comforting their hearts. In harmony with these parting words Jesus had called the chosen twelve "little children" (John 13:33); without Him they would be "orphans," comfortless, desolate. The coming of the Holy Spirit would make Christ and the Father forever real to them, an abiding spiritual presence. Greek 3737. orphanos -- an orphan ... orphaned, fatherless. Of uncertain affinity; bereaved ("orphan"), ie Parentless -- comfortless, fatherless. (orphanous) -- 2 Occurrences. 3736, 3737. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3737.htm - 6k Library The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave You Comfortless: I ... The Absent Present Christ Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving. Love and the Comforter. 4Th Day. Comforting Grace. Modern Revivals. Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place ... The Realization of Selfless Love Christianity a Light. A Message from God for Thee Thesaurus Comfortless (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COMFORTLESS. kum'-fert ... presence. Dwight M. Pratt. Multi-Version Concordance Comfortless (1 Occurrence). John ... /c/comfortless.htm - 7k Desolate (189 Occurrences) Comforts (11 Occurrences) Orphan (25 Occurrences) Orphans (12 Occurrences) Comfortingly (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the Alpha Course? | GotQuestions.orgComfortless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Comfortless (1 Occurrence)John 14:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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