παραμῡθ-ία G3889
consolation, comfort, encouragement given to those in distress
Denoting words or actions that bring comfort and encouragement to the distressed, this term emphasizes the supportive dimension of Christian speech. In classical usage it could mean gentle persuasion, reassurance, or even diversion from troubles. Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:3 lists it as one of the benefits of prophetic utterance: building up, encouragement, and consolation. The word suggests not just verbal sympathy but active ministry that lifts spirits and strengthens resolve.
Senses
1. sense 1 — In 1 Corinthians 14:3, prophecy provides 'consolation' (παραμυθίαν) alongside edification and exhortation. The multilingual glosses (Spanish 'consolación', French 'consolation', German 'Trost') consistently emphasize comforting those who grieve or struggle. Paul's triad shows that Spirit-inspired speech doesn't just instruct—it also soothes and encourages, meeting emotional and spiritual needs in the gathered community. 1×
AR["تَعزيَةً"]·ben["সান্ত্বনা।"]·DE["Trost"]·EN["consolation"]·FR["consolation"]·heb["נֶחָמָה"]·HI["सान्त्वना"]·ID["penguatan."]·IT["consolazione"]·jav["panyurung"]·KO["위로"]·PT["consolação."]·RU["увещание"]·ES["consolación"]·SW["kufariji"]·TR["teselli"]·urd["دلاسا"]
Related Senses
G2309 1. want, desire (166×)G0025 1. to love actively (133×)H0157 1. love (verb, active Qal) (129×)H8055 1. Qal: rejoice, be glad (123×)H7453 1. neighbor, fellow man (120×)G0026 1. of love (115×)H1058 1. Qal: to weep, cry (112×)H0954 1. to be ashamed, feel shame (Qal) (95×)H8057 1. joy, gladness, delight (90×)H2781 1. disgrace, shame, dishonor (68×)G2307 1. will, desire, purpose (63×)G5463 1. rejoice, be glad (63×)G0027 1. beloved (61×)H8130 1. Qal: to hate, detest (60×)G5479 1. (59×)G1680 1. (53×)H8130 2. Qal ptcp: hater, enemy (53×)H0014 1. be willing, want (51×)H0157 2. lover, friend (Qal participle substantive) (51×)H1945 1. woe (50×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
παραμῡθ-ία, ἡ, encouragement, exhortation, Refs 5th c.BC+; reassurance, gentle persuasion, Refs 5th c.BC+ __2 consolation, Refs 2nd c.AD+; diversion, distraction, Refs 5th c.BC+ __3 relief from, abatement of, φθόνου Refs 1st c.AD+; π. ταλαιπωρούντων, of sleep, Refs 2nd c.AD+ __4 explanation, solution of a difficulty, π. πρὸς τὴν ἀπορίαν Refs 1st c.AD+ __5 excuse, ἔχειν τινὰ π. Refs 2nd c.AD+