Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "comforts" refer to the solace, consolation, and encouragement provided by God, His Word, and His people to those who are suffering or in distress. The concept of comfort is deeply rooted in the character of God as a compassionate and merciful Father who cares for His children.
Divine ComfortThe Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate source of comfort. In
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Apostle 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 receive from God." This passage highlights God's role as the "God of all comfort," emphasizing His ability to provide solace in every situation.
The Psalms often reflect the comfort found in God's presence and promises.
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, the psalmist finds reassurance in God's guidance and protection, even in the darkest times.
Comfort through the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, referred to as the Comforter or Advocate, plays a crucial role in providing comfort to believers. In
John 14:16-17, Jesus promises His disciples, "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 dwells within believers, offering guidance, peace, and encouragement.
Comfort in ScriptureThe Word of God is a significant source of comfort for believers.
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." The Scriptures provide hope and encouragement, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and promises.
Comfort from Fellow BelieversThe Christian community is called to be a source of comfort to one another. In
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul exhorts the church, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." Believers are encouraged to support each other through prayer, words of encouragement, and acts of kindness.
Comfort in SufferingThe Bible acknowledges that suffering is a part of the human experience, yet it also teaches that comfort is available in the midst of trials. In
2 Corinthians 1:5, Paul writes, "For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." This verse underscores the idea that comfort is abundant and accessible through Christ, even when suffering abounds.
Eternal ComfortThe ultimate comfort for believers lies in the hope of eternal life with God.
Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of this future comfort: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This promise of a future without suffering provides profound comfort to believers as they navigate the challenges of this life.
In summary, the Bible presents comfort as a multifaceted concept, deeply intertwined with the nature of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, the truth of Scripture, and the fellowship of believers. It assures believers that comfort is available in this life and promises ultimate comfort in the life to come.
Greek
3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage... encourage NASB Word Usage appeal (4), appealed (1), appealing (2), beg (1), begging
(2), beseeching (1), comfort (5), comforted (11),
comforts (2), conciliate
...3601. odune -- pain, distress
... Cognate: 3601 -- intense emotional pain (personal anguish); , which is emotionally
lethal if experienced apart from God's grace whichcomforts. See 3600 ()....
Strong's Hebrew
5166. Nechemyah -- "Yahcomforts," three Israelites... 5165, 5166. Nechemyah. 5167 . "Yah
comforts," three Israelites. Transliteration:
Nechemyah Phonetic Spelling: (nekh-em-yaw') Short Definition: Nehemiah.
...5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself
... a consolation (1), change mind (6), change minds (1), changed mind (4), comfort
(30), comforted (18), comforter (2), comforters (4),comforts (2), console (3...
Library
TheComforts Belonging to Mourners
... 11. Thecomforts belonging to mourners.... Sorrow for sin ushers in joy: I will
restorecomforts to him, and to his mourners' (Isaiah 57:18)....
Comforts of Religion.
... SUBMISSION AND RELIANCE. 623. "Comforts of Religion. 623. CMComforts
of Religion. 1 When gloomy thoughts and boding fears...
True and FalseComforts.
... VI. CAUTIONS. Hymn 69 True and falsecomforts. William Cowper 8,6,8,6. True and
falsecomforts. O God, whose favorable eye. The sin-sick soul revives;...
FalseComforts for Sinners.
... LECTURE XVII. FALSECOMFORTS FOR SINNERS. Text."How then... distress. III. To
notice some of the falsecomforts often administered. I. The...
St. Peter of AlcantaraComforts the Saint. Great Temptations and...
... Chapter XXX. St. Peter of AlcantaraComforts the Saint. Great Temptations
and Interior Trials. 1. When I saw that I was able to...
Which is Chaste Love; and How in Some Creatures Such Sensible...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE FIFTIETH CHAPTER Which is chaste love; and how in some creatures
such sensiblecomforts be but seldom, and in some right oft....
How to Use the Present Life, and theComforts of It.
... IT. CHAPTER 10. HOW TO USE THE PRESENT LIFE, AND THECOMFORTS OF IT. HOW TO
USE THE PRESENT LIFE, AND THECOMFORTS OF IT. The divisions...
Psalm 127 the Blessing of God on the Business andComforts of Life...
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 127 The blessing of God on the business andcomforts of
life. LM The blessing of God on the business andcomforts of life....
How to Use the Present Life, and theComforts of It.
... CHAPTER V. HOW TO USE THE PRESENT LIFE, AND THECOMFORTS OF IT. The divisions of
this chapter are,"I. The necessity and usefulness of this doctrine....
Psalm 127:1. LM The Blessing of God on the Business andComforts...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 127:1. LM The blessing of God on the
business andcomforts of life. 1 If God succeed not, all...
Thesaurus
Comforts (11 Occurrences)...Comforts (11 Occurrences).
... 2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless, he who
comforts the lowly,
God, comforted us by the coming of Titus; (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV).
...Mourners (13 Occurrences)
... Job 29:25 I chose out their way, and sat as chief. I lived as a king in the army,
as one whocomforts the mourners. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Comfortless (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Without comfort orcomforts; in want or distress;
cheerless. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COMFORTLESS....
Comforted (56 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:4 whocomforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we...
Consolation (23 Occurrences)
... of consoling; the state of being consoled; alleviation of misery or distress of
mind; refreshment of spirit; comfort; that which consoles orcomforts the spirit...
Comfort (130 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:4 whocomforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we...
Home (270 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The home base; he started for home. 8. (a.) of or pertaining to one's dwelling
or country; domestic; not foreign; as home manufactures; homecomforts....
Home (270 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) The home base; he started for home. 8. (a.) of or pertaining to one's dwelling
or country; domestic; not foreign; as home manufactures; homecomforts....
Lowly (29 Occurrences)
... NIV). 2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless, he whocomforts the lowly, God, comforted
us by the coming of Titus; (WEB ASV). 2 Corinthians...
Fare (13 Occurrences)
... fared well, or ill. 3. (n.) To be treated or entertained at table, or with
bodily or socialcomforts; to live. 4. (n.) To happen...
Resources
What does it mean that God is the God of all comfort? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the Bible bring comfort during a difficult time? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian leadership? | GotQuestions.orgComforts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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