Topical Encyclopedia
The term "comfortless" refers to a state of being without consolation, relief, or solace. In the biblical context, it often describes a condition of deep sorrow, distress, or abandonment, where an individual or group feels devoid of comfort or support. This state can be both physical and spiritual, reflecting a profound sense of desolation.
Biblical Instances and Themes1.
Lamentations and Mourning: The Book of Lamentations vividly portrays the comfortless state of Jerusalem following its destruction. The prophet Jeremiah laments the city's desolation and the absence of comforters: "For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, for there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed" (
Lamentations 1:16). This passage highlights the deep sorrow and the lack of consolation experienced by the people.
2.
Job's Suffering: Job's experience is another profound example of being comfortless. Despite the presence of his friends, Job finds no solace in their words, as they fail to understand his plight and instead accuse him of wrongdoing. Job expresses his anguish, saying, "Miserable comforters are you all!" (
Job 16:2). His friends' inability to provide true comfort underscores the depth of his isolation and distress.
3.
The Psalms: The Psalms frequently express feelings of being comfortless, often in the context of seeking God's presence and help.
Psalm 77 reflects a cry for divine comfort: "Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? Has His loving devotion ceased forever? Has His promise failed for all time?" (
Psalm 77:7-8). The psalmist's questions reveal a struggle with feeling abandoned and without comfort, yet they also demonstrate a turning to God as the ultimate source of solace.
4.
Jesus' Promise of the Comforter: In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the comfortless state of His disciples as He prepares to leave them. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to be with them: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (
John 14:16-17). This promise signifies the provision of divine comfort and presence through the Holy Spirit, addressing the disciples' impending sense of loss and abandonment.
5.
Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul addresses the comfortless state in his letters, emphasizing the role of God as the "God of all comfort" (
2 Corinthians 1:3). Paul writes to the Corinthians about the comfort received from God, which enables believers to comfort others in their afflictions. This teaching highlights the reciprocal nature of comfort within the Christian community, where those who have received divine comfort are called to extend it to others.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of being comfortless in the Bible often serves to highlight the human need for divine intervention and the insufficiency of worldly solutions to address deep spiritual and emotional distress. It underscores the importance of turning to God as the ultimate source of comfort and the role of the Holy Spirit in providing ongoing consolation and support to believers. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's faithfulness in providing comfort, even in the midst of profound sorrow and desolation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Without comfort or comforts; in want or distress; cheerless.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COMFORTLESSkum'-fert-les (orphanous, "orphans"): The Greek original is found but twice in the New Testament; rendered "comfortless" inJohn 14:18, the Revised Version (British and American) "desolate"; "fatherless" inJames 1:27 (comparePsalm 68:5). The term signifies bereft of a father, parents, guardian, teacher, guide, and indicates what must be the permanent ministry of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus, in comforting their hearts. In harmony with these parting words Jesus had called the chosen twelve "little children" (John 13:33); without Him they would be "orphans," comfortless, desolate. The coming of the Holy Spirit would make Christ and the Father forever real to them, an abiding spiritual presence.
Dwight M. Pratt
Greek
3737. orphanos -- an orphan... orphaned, fatherless. Of uncertain affinity; bereaved ("orphan"), ie Parentless --
comfortless, fatherless. (orphanous) -- 2 Occurrences. 3736, 3737.
...Library
The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave YouComfortless: I...
... THE BELIEVER NOT AN ORPHAN. "I will not leave youcomfortless: I will
come to you.""John xiv. 18. THE BELIEVER NOT AN ORPHAN....
The Absent Present Christ
... THE ABSENT PRESENT CHRIST. 'I will not leave youcomfortless; I will come
to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more...
Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving.
... This would be a verycomfortless doctrine, and would unintentionally encourage
Antinomianism.... For it is not only verycomfortless, but also wicked....
Love and the Comforter.
... So He struggled alone, uncomforted andcomfortless, until an angel came and did
what sinners could not do, comforting the Savior in His distress....
4Th Day. Comforting Grace.
... Comforting Grace. "He is Faithful that Promised." "I will not leave youcomfortless;
I will come to you.""John 14:18. Comforting Grace. Blessed Jesus!...
Modern Revivals.
... that fell from His lips. The announcement made them feel as if they were
to be left "comfortless" and forsaken. But he says, John...
Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place...
... This amazement increased considerably when he learned that the dingy,comfortless,
little Hotel Poitiers had been selected by the Cardinal as his temporary...
The Realization of Selfless Love
... And whosoever comes to this Love is not turned awaycomfortless, is not pierced
with anguish nor surrounded with gloom; and is never deserted in the dark hour...
Christianity a Light.
... I will not leave youcomfortless: I will come to you." John 14:16-18. In verse
twenty-six he tells us the Comforter is the Holy Ghost....
A Message from God for Thee
... forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her." So those to whom this message
is sent are brought, through a sense of sin, into acomfortless state....
Thesaurus
Comfortless (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
COMFORTLESS. kum'-fert
... presence. Dwight M. Pratt.
Multi-Version Concordance
Comfortless (1 Occurrence). John
...Desolate (189 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Laid waste; in a ruinous condition; neglected; destroyed; as, desolate
altars. 3. (a.) Left alone; forsaken; lonely;comfortless....
Comforts (11 Occurrences)
Orphan (25 Occurrences)
... found in the King James Version of the New Testament; but the Greek word orphanos
occurs twice, John 14:18 (the King James Version "comfortless," the Revised...
Orphans (12 Occurrences)
... In John 14:18 the word there rendered "comfortless" (RV, "desolate;" marg., "orphans")
properly means "orphans." The same Greek word is rendered "fatherless...
Comfortingly (1 Occurrence)
Resources
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