from παρά and καλέω; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):--beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3870 παρακαλέω (parakaléō) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the verb καλέω (kaleō), meaning "to call." Thus, its core etymological meaning is "to call alongside" or "to call near." This foundational sense informs its broad semantic range in the New Testament.
The primary facets of its meaning include:
1. **To Call For/Invite:** To summon someone to one's side, often for a specific purpose or aid.
2. **To Beseech/Entreat/Plead:** To make an earnest request or supplication, often implying a sense of urgency or humility. This is a common rendering in prayers or requests to Jesus or God.
3. **To Exhort/Admonish:** To urge, encourage, or instruct with a view to action or a particular course of conduct. This often carries a tone of persuasive encouragement rather than strict command.
4. **To Comfort/Console:** To bring solace, relief, or encouragement to someone in distress, grief, or fear. This involves drawing near to alleviate suffering.
The English translations provided—beseech, call for, comfort, desire, exhort, entreat, pray—each capture a facet of this versatile verb, highlighting its function in various relational dynamics, from supplication to pastoral care.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3870 παρακαλέω appears frequently throughout the New Testament, reflecting its importance in describing interactions between God and humanity, and among believers.
In the Gospels, it is often used to describe individuals *beseeching* Jesus for healing, mercy, or teaching. For instance, the centurion *entreats* Jesus to heal his servant in [[Matthew 8:5]], and the disciples *implore* Jesus to teach them in [[Luke 11:1]]. This usage highlights the posture of humble appeal and reliance on divine power.
In the Pauline Epistles, παρακαλέω is a cornerstone of Paul's pastoral ministry and theological instruction.
* **Exhortation:** Paul frequently uses it to *exhort* believers to live in a manner consistent with their calling. He *urges* the Romans by the mercies of God to present their bodies as living sacrifices in [[Romans 12:1]]. Similarly, he *exhorts* Timothy to preach the word in [[2 Timothy 4:2]] and Titus to teach sound doctrine in [[Titus 2:15]]. This form of exhortation is not a harsh command but a loving appeal, drawing believers alongside to encourage righteous living.
* **Comfort:** Paul also uses παρακαλέω extensively in the context of *comfort*. In [[2 Corinthians 1:3-4]], he blesses God as the "God of all comfort" who *comforts* us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to *comfort* those who are in any affliction. This emphasizes a cycle of divine comfort received and then extended to others within the community. He *comforts* the Thessalonians concerning those who have fallen asleep in [[1 Thessalonians 4:18]].
In the book of Acts, παρακαλέω describes the actions of early church leaders. Barnabas *exhorts* the believers in Antioch to remain faithful to the Lord in [[Acts 11:23]], demonstrating the ongoing need for encouragement and spiritual guidance within the nascent church.
The close relationship between παρακαλέω and the noun παράκλητος (paraklētos - Comforter, Advocate, Helper) is significant, particularly in John's Gospel where παράκλητος refers to the Holy Spirit ([[John 14:16]], [[John 14:26]], [[John 15:26]], [[John 16:7]]). The Holy Spirit is the one "called alongside" to provide comfort, counsel, and advocacy, echoing the verbal action of παρακαλέω.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G3870 παρακαλέω is rich and interconnected with several other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **παράκλητος (paraklētos):** The direct noun form, often translated as "Comforter," "Advocate," or "Helper," especially in reference to the Holy Spirit. This highlights the Spirit's role in drawing near to provide support and guidance.
* **καλέω (kaleō):** The root verb, meaning "to call," which underlies the idea of summoning or inviting.
* **παρά (para):** The preposition "beside" or "alongside," emphasizing proximity and personal engagement in the act of calling.
* **Prayer and Supplication:** The act of παρακαλέω often manifests as earnest prayer or entreaty, reflecting a humble approach to God (e.g., G1162 δέησις - deēsis, "supplication").
* **Encouragement and Edification:** As a form of exhortation and comfort, παρακαλέω is central to the mutual edification and strengthening of believers within the body of Christ (e.g., G3619 οἰκοδομή - oikodomē, "building up").
* **Admonition:** While distinct from harsh rebuke, παρακαλέω can include a gentle warning or correction, aimed at guiding someone toward righteousness (e.g., G3560 νουθετέω - noutheteō, "to admonish").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3870 παρακαλέω is profound and multifaceted:
1. **God's Compassionate Initiative:** The frequent use of παρακαλέω in relation to God and Christ reveals a divine posture of drawing near to humanity. God is not distant but actively engages with His creation, offering comfort in affliction ([[2 Corinthians 1:3-4]]) and hearing the earnest prayers of His people. This underscores His relational and compassionate nature.
2. **The Ministry of the Holy Spirit:** The Holy Spirit, as the παράκλητος, embodies the very essence of παρακαλέω. The Spirit is "called alongside" believers to indwell, guide, comfort, and empower them, making God's presence tangible and effective in their lives. This highlights a dynamic, personal relationship with the third person of the Trinity.
3. **The Nature of Christian Leadership:** Paul's frequent use of παρακαλέω in his pastoral instructions demonstrates that effective spiritual leadership is not merely about issuing commands but about tenderly exhorting, encouraging, and comforting the flock. It emphasizes persuasion, love, and empathetic engagement over rigid authority, reflecting the shepherd heart of Christ.
4. **Mutual Ministry within the Church:** Believers are called to παρακαλέω one another. This mandate establishes a vital aspect of Christian community: the reciprocal responsibility to offer comfort in sorrow, encouragement in weakness, and exhortation to perseverance and holiness. It cultivates a supportive environment where members "bear one another's burdens" ([[Galatians 6:2]]).
5. **The Essence of Prayer:** When used for "praying" or "beseeching," παρακαλέω characterizes prayer as an act of drawing near to God, not in demand but in earnest appeal, seeking His presence, intervention, and solace. It is a humble, yet confident, call to the One who is always "alongside."
### Summary
G3870 παρακαλέω is a deeply significant Greek verb, meaning "to call alongside" or "to call near." Its rich semantic range encompasses beseeching, entreating, exhorting, comforting, and encouraging. Biblically, it frequently describes the earnest appeals made to God or Christ, the Holy Spirit's vital role as the Comforter and Advocate, and the essential mutual ministry of believers within the church. Theologically, παρακαλέω illuminates God's compassionate initiative to draw near to humanity, the relational nature of spiritual leadership, and the critical importance of prayer, comfort, and exhortation in fostering a vibrant and supportive Christian community. It speaks to the intimate and transformative power of drawing close for aid, counsel, and solace, both from God and from one another.
TRV