Greek · G3875 · unreviewed

παράκλητος

An intercessor, consoler

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παράκλητος G3875
Pronunciation paráklētos

What does παράκλητος (paráklētos) mean in the Bible?

παράκλητος (paráklētos) is a Greek word meaning "an intercessor, consoler". παρά-κλητος, -ον (παρακαλεω), [in Aq. Personal divine presence continuing Christ's ministry. This term runs through the canonical themes of Justice, Messiah, Spirit.

Full entry for παράκλητος (G3875) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

an intercessor, consoler
Extended definition

One called alongside to advocate in one's defense; in NT, Christ or Holy Spirit as intercessor.

(παρακαλεω), [in Aq., Th.: Job.16:2 * ;] called to one's aid in a judicial cause (Dion. Cass.); hence, most frequently as subst., ὁ π., an advocate, pleader, intercessor (Dem., al.; so in Rabbinic lit., פְּרַקְלִיטָא), "a friend of the accused person, called to speak to his character, or otherwise enlist sympathy in his favour" (Field, Notes, 102). In NT, specif., ὁ π.,

aof Christ, 1Jn.2:1 (see ICC, Jo. Epp., 23 ff.);
bof the Holy Spirit (AV, comforter; but see opp. with), Jhn.14:16, 26 15:26 16:7 (cf. also Abbott, Essays, 86, 97; Deiss., LAE, 339 f.; MM, xviii; Westc., Jo., ii, 188)
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Personal divine presence continuing Christ's ministry. 1 John 2:1-2
Divine advocate continuing Christ's ministry. John 14:15–31
Defines the Spirit’s role in guiding and comforting believers.
Presents Jesus as the righteous intercessor before the Father, grounding believer assurance in His person and work.
Assurance rests not in self-defense but in Christ’s righteous representation. He stands in the presence of the Father on behalf of His people.
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Nominative · Singular · Masculine John 14:26 · John 15:26 · John 16:7
Accusative · Singular · Masculine John 14:16 · 1 John 2:1
Canonical Themes
JusticeMessiah Spirit
Biblical Occurrences
Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources