Greek word · Strong's G3870

παρακαλέω

parakaléō · verb · “to comfort, exhort, urge”

In a sentence

Parakaleō means to comfort, exhort, urge, or call alongside. It is the verb behind paraklētos (Helper) — the work of standing with someone in love and strength.

Parakaleō literally «calls alongside.» Depending on context it means to comfort the grieving, exhort the wavering, or urge the indifferent. Paul does all three constantly.

It also describes the Spirit's ministry to believers and our ministry to one another. Paul writes that God «comforts (parakaleō) us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.»

Strong's reference

Definition: to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

KJV usage: beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

2 Corinthians 1:4 “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.