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G3875 · Greek · New Testament
παράκλητος
paraklētos
Noun, masculine
Advocate, comforter, helper, intercessor

Definition

A Greek noun meaning advocate, helper, comforter, counselor, intercessor, one called alongside. From para (alongside) and kaleō (to call) — 'one called to stand beside.' In secular Greek, it referred to a legal advocate or defense attorney — someone summoned to plead another's case. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively by John — four times for the Holy Spirit and once for Christ.

Usage & Theological Significance

This is one of the most theologically rich titles in Scripture. Jesus promises 'another Advocate' (John 14:16) — the word 'another' (allos, another of the same kind) implies that Jesus Himself was the first Paraklētos, and the Spirit is His successor in the same role. The Spirit will 'teach you all things' (John 14:26), 'bear witness about me' (John 15:26), and 'convict the world concerning sin' (John 16:8). In 1 John 2:1, Jesus is called our Paraklētos 'with the Father' — our defense attorney before the divine court. The double advocacy is stunning: the Spirit advocates for us within (interceding), and Christ advocates for us above (representing us before the Father). We are never without an Advocate.

Key Bible Verses

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things.
John 15:26 But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, he will bear witness about me.
John 16:7 It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
1 John 2:1 But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

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