📖 Biblical Definition
A title applied in the New Testament both to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) and to the risen Christ (1 John 2:1, where it is rendered advocate). The Greek parakletos means one called alongside — a helper, advocate, comforter, intercessor. Christ promised another Comforter (allos parakletos — one of the same kind, not different) before His departure: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
COMFORTER, n.
expand to see more
A scriptural title; in the Upper Room, of the Holy Spirit; in 1 John, of the risen Christ.
📖 Key Scripture
John 14:16 — "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."
John 14:26 — "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things."
John 16:7 — "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you."
1 John 2:1 — "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often forgets the Spirit is called alongside the believer; the Comforter is closer than air.
expand to see more
The promise of another Comforter in John 14-16 is one of the most under-appreciated gifts in the New Testament. Christ said it was actually better that He go away — because the Comforter would come and would dwell within rather than alongside. The Spirit's presence is closer than Christ's physical proximity could have been; He is in every believer at all times.
Modern Christianity often forgets the Spirit is called alongside the believer for help, comfort, conviction, teaching, and guidance. We treat Him as a doctrinal entity rather than a personal Helper. Address Him. Ask Him. Listen for Him. The Comforter has been given; He is the Lord's personal continued presence with you.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
expand to see more
G3875 — parakletos — comforter; advocate; helper
G243 — allos — another (of same kind)
Usage
"Modern Christianity forgets the Spirit is called alongside; the Comforter is closer than air."
"Christ said it was better He go so the Comforter could come; the Spirit is closer than physical Christ could have been."
"Address Him; ask Him; listen for Him; the Comforter has been given."