Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Comfort, in the biblical context, refers to the alleviation of distress and the provision of solace and encouragement. It is both an emotional and spiritual support that God provides to His people, often through His Word, His presence, and His community. Comfort is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's compassion and mercy towards humanity. Old Testament Insights: In the Old Testament, comfort is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness and His promises to His people. The Hebrew word "nacham" is frequently used to denote comfort, consolation, or repentance. Isaiah 40:1-2 declares, "Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her iniquity has been pardoned." This passage highlights God's intention to bring comfort to His people after a period of judgment and suffering. The Psalms are rich with expressions of comfort, as the psalmists often cry out to God in times of distress and find solace in His presence. Psalm 23:4 states, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Here, God's presence is depicted as a source of comfort and protection. New Testament Insights: In the New Testament, comfort is closely linked to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who is referred to as the "Comforter" or "Helper" (Greek: Parakletos). Jesus promises His disciples in John 14:16-17 , "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit provides believers with ongoing comfort, guidance, and assurance of God's presence. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of comfort in his epistles, particularly in the context of suffering and persecution. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 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." This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of comfort, as believers are called to extend the comfort they receive from God to others. Theological Significance: Comfort is a manifestation of God's love and care for His creation. It is an integral part of the Christian experience, reflecting the hope and peace that come from a relationship with God. Comfort is not merely the absence of pain but the presence of God in the midst of trials. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to seek comfort in God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. The church community plays a vital role in providing support and encouragement to those in need. Romans 15:4 states, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." Christians are called to be agents of comfort, reflecting God's compassion to a hurting world. Conclusion: Comfort in the Bible is a profound expression of God's grace and mercy. It is both a personal experience and a communal responsibility, as believers are called to share the comfort they receive with others. Through the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and the body of Christ, God provides enduring comfort to His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To make strong; to invigorate; to fortify; to corroborate.2. (v. t.) To assist or help; to aid. 3. (v. t.) To impart strength and hope to; to encourage; to relieve; to console; to cheer. 4. (n.) Assistance; relief; support. 5. (n.) Encouragement; solace; consolation in trouble; also, that which affords consolation. 6. (n.) A state of quiet enjoyment; freedom from pain, want, or anxiety; also, whatever contributes to such a condition. 7. (n.) A wadded bed quilt; a comfortable. 8. (n.) Unlawful support, countenance, or encouragement; as, to give aid and comfort to the enemy. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COMFORTkum'-fert (nacham; parakaleo): The New Testament word is variously translated, as "comfort," "exhort," "beseech," the exact translation to be determined by the context. Etymologically, it is "to call alongside of," i.e. to summon for assistance. To comfort is to cheer and encourage. It has a positive force wanting in its synonym "console," as it indicates the dispelling of grief by the impartation of strength. the Revised Version (British and American) has correctly changed the translation of paramutheomai from the King James Version "comfort," to "consolation." So in the Old Testament, "Comfort ye my people" (Isaiah 40:1) is much stronger than "console," which affords only the power of calm endurance of affliction, while the brightest hopes of the future and the highest incentives to present activity are the gifts of the Divine grace that is here bestowed. Greek 3874. paraklesis -- a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement ... ... a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement, comfort. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paraklesis Phonetic Spelling: (par-ak'-lay-sis) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3874.htm - 8k 3888. paramutheomai -- to encourge, comfort 3889. paramuthia -- encouragement, exhortation, comfort 3931. paregoria -- exhortation, comfort 3890. paramuthion -- exhortation, encouragement 3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage 404. anapsucho -- to refresh 2174. eupsucheo -- to be of good courage 4837. sumparakaleo -- to exhort together, pass. to be strengthened ... 218. aleipho -- anoint. Strong's Hebrew 5165. nechamah -- comfort... 5164, 5165. nechamah. 5166 . comfort. Transliteration: nechamah Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-aw-maw') Short Definition: comfort. Word ... /hebrew/5165.htm - 6k 5150. nichum -- comfort, compassion 5149. Nechum -- "comfort," an Israelite of Nehemiah's time 5163. Nacham -- "comfort," a man of Judah 5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself 4010. mabligith -- smiling, cheerfulness, source of brightening 7502. raphad -- to spread 8575. tanchum -- consolation 5117. nuach -- to rest 5582. saad -- to support, sustain, stay Library The God of All Comfort Comfort for the Desponding The Comfort of the Truth A Cry of Comfort for Jerusalem The Comfort of the Milk The Mourner's Comfort. Of the Lack of all Comfort The Sixteenth Chapter: True Comfort is to be Sought in God Alone Comfort in Extremity Comfort from the Bible. Thesaurus Comfort (130 Occurrences)... 7. (n.) A wadded bed quilt; a comfortable. 8. (n.) Unlawful support, countenance, or encouragement; as, to give aid and comfort to the enemy. Int. ...COMFORT. ... /c/comfort.htm - 37k Paraclete Console (7 Occurrences) Comfortable (2 Occurrences) Consolation (23 Occurrences) Express (13 Occurrences) Comforting (21 Occurrences) Sufferings (27 Occurrences) Comforted (56 Occurrences) Cheer (22 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is the God of all comfort? | GotQuestions.orgIn what ways should Christians be prepared to step outside their comfort zone? | GotQuestions.org How can the Bible bring comfort during a difficult time? | GotQuestions.org Comfort: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Comfort (130 Occurrences)Matthew 9:22 Mark 10:49 Luke 2:25 Luke 6:24 Luke 8:48 John 11:19 Acts 4:36 Acts 9:31 Acts 13:15 Acts 15:31 Acts 16:40 Acts 20:1 Romans 1:12 Romans 15:4 Romans 15:5 1 Corinthians 14:3 1 Corinthians 14:31 1 Corinthians 16:18 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 1:4 2 Corinthians 1:5 2 Corinthians 1:6 2 Corinthians 1:7 2 Corinthians 2:7 2 Corinthians 7:4 2 Corinthians 7:6 2 Corinthians 7:7 2 Corinthians 7:13 2 Corinthians 13:11 Ephesians 6:22 Philippians 2:1 Philippians 2:19 Colossians 4:8 Colossians 4:11 1 Thessalonians 2:11 1 Thessalonians 3:2 1 Thessalonians 4:18 1 Thessalonians 5:11 1 Thessalonians 5:14 2 Thessalonians 2:16 2 Thessalonians 2:17 2 Timothy 4:2 2 Timothy 4:5 Titus 1:9 Philemon 1:7 Hebrews 3:13 Hebrews 6:18 1 John 3:19 Genesis 5:29 Genesis 18:5 Genesis 27:42 Genesis 37:35 Genesis 50:21 Deuteronomy 24:5 Deuteronomy 28:40 Deuteronomy 28:54 Judges 19:5 Judges 19:8 Ruth 2:13 Ruth 3:1 2 Samuel 10:2 2 Samuel 12:24 2 Samuel 14:17 2 Samuel 19:7 1 Chronicles 7:22 1 Chronicles 19:2 Job 2:11 Job 5:18 Job 6:10 Job 7:13 Job 9:27 Job 10:20 Job 12:5 Job 16:5 Job 16:12 Job 21:2 Job 21:34 Job 29:25 Job 30:28 Job 32:20 Job 36:16 Job 38:32 Job 42:11 Psalms 23:4 Psalms 36:2 Psalms 39:2 Psalms 39:13 Psalms 71:21 Psalms 86:17 Psalms 119:50 Psalms 119:52 Psalms 119:76 Psalms 119:82 Proverbs 19:10 Proverbs 29:17 Ecclesiastes 4:1 Song of Songs 2:5 Isaiah 12:1 Isaiah 22:4 Isaiah 32:9 Subtopics Related Terms |