"to exercise a gentle influence by words; to soothe, comfort, console, Jn. 11:19, 31; 1 Thess. 5:14; to cheer, exhort, 1 Thess. 2:12*"
Definition and meaning
to exercise a gentle influence by words; to soothe, comfort, console, Jn. 11:19, 31; 1 Thess. 5:14; to cheer, exhort, 1 Thess. 2:12*
In the original Greek the word is written: παραμυθέομαι
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of paramytheomai (G3888) across the King James Bible.
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
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Common questions
Strong's G3888 (paramytheomai) is a Greek word that means: to exercise a gentle influence by words; to soothe, comfort, console, Jn. 11:19, 31; 1 Thess. 5:14; to cheer, exhort, 1 Thess. 2:12* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word paramytheomai (G3888) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3888 is paramytheomai, a Greek word defined as: to exercise a gentle influence by words; to soothe, comfort, console, Jn. 11:19, 31; 1 Thess. 5:14; to cheer, exhort, 1 Thess. 2:12*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paramytheomai is a Greek word found in the New Testament.