The comforted comforter: The meaning of παρακαλεω or παρακλησις terminology in 2 Corinthians

Abstract

In the Pauline homologoumena, παρακαλεω or παρακλησις terminology is used almost two and a half times (in 2 Corinthians even six and a half times) as frequently as in the remainder of the New Testament. In the first part of this article, a survey of the use of παρακαλεω or παρακλησις in the undisputed letters and its three major meanings was given: to request strongly, to exhort and to encourage or comfort. In the second part of the article, the LXX background of the unprecedented use of παρακαλεω or παρακλησις in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 and 7:4.5-13, where God is the subject, was discussed. The conclusion was that when writing 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 and 7:4.5-13 Paul made use of the prophet Isaiah's Book of Comfort and in his use of παρακαλεω or παρακλησις allows himself to be influenced by the way the LXX translator uses παρακαλεω ω to translate © 2011.