The meaning of Exhortation in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

ek-sor-ta'-shun (paraklesis): The Greek word translated "exhortation" (paraklesis) signifies, originally, "a calling near or for" (as an advocate or helper who should appeal on one's behalf), and carries the twofold sense of "exhortation" and "consolation" (which see). In the Septuagint of the Old Testament it is used in the sense of "consolation"; but in 2 Macc 7:24, it is translated "exhort," the Revised Version (British and American) "appeal." The verb parakaleo is also translated "exhortation" (1 Macc 13:3 the King James Version) and "exhort" (2 Macc 9:26).

In the New Testament paraklesis is translated "exhortation" (Acts 13:15; Romans 12:8, the Revised Version (British and American) "exhorting"; I Corinthians 14:3, the English Revised Version "comfort," the American Revised Version, margin "or comfort"; II Corinthians 8:17; I Thessalonians 2:3; I Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 12:5; Hebrews 13:22). the American Standard Revised Version has also "exhortation," instead of "consolation" in Philippians 2:1. In Luke 3:18, parakaleo, "to call near or for," is translated exhortation," "and many other things in his exhortation," the Revised Version (British and American) "with many other exhortations," and in Acts 20:2, parakaleo logo pollo is rendered (the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American)), "had given them much exhortation."

W. L. Walker

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