SPECIAL TOPIC: COMFORT

The following is taken from my commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:4-11.

"'Comfort.' This term, paraklēsis, in its different forms, is used ten times in 2 Cor. 1:3-11. It is the key term throughout the entire passage and also in chapters 1-9, where it is used twenty-five times. The word means "to call alongside." It was often used in a judicial sense of an advocate who rendered legal aid, comfort, and guidance.

In this context it is used in the sense of encouragement and consolation. A related term, paraklētos, is used of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7; and of Jesus in 1 John 2:1. In this context it is used of the Father.

The verb form of parakaleō is used in several senses.

A. the Septuagint

1. exhort, Deut. 3:28

2. comfort, Gen. 24:67; 37:35; Ps. 119:50 (in a Messianic sense in Isa. 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 61:2)

3. have compassion, Deut. 32:36; Jdgs. 2:18; Ps. 135:14

4. console, Isa. 35:4

5. call, Exod. 15:13

B. Paul's writings to Corinth

1. exhort, 1 Cor. 1:10; 4:16; 14:30-31; 16:15-16; 2 Cor. 2:8; 5:20; 6:1; 8:4,6; 10:1

2. comfort, cheer up, 2 Cor. 1:4,6; 2:7; 7:6,7,13; 13:11

3. have compassion, console, 1 Cor. 4:13

4. implore, entreat, request, 1 Cor. 16:12; 2 Cor. 9:5; 12:18 "