1. summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid
   1. one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
   2. one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor
      1. of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins
   3. in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant
      1. of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom

What is Parakletos in Greek and its Context in the Bible?

When grappling with the term “Parakletos,” many may wonder: What does Parakletos in Greek in context of the Bible mean? Parakletos is a rich Greek word that translates loosely to “helper,” “advocate,” or “comforter.” It is most notably used to describe the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. Understanding Parakletos goes beyond definition; it spills into the realms of theology, providing insights into the nature of God’s presence and support in believers’ lives.

The Greek Roots of Parakletos

The term Parakletos originates from the compound Greek words “para,” meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and “kaleo,” meaning “to call.” Thus, Parakletos can be understood as someone who is called to be alongside you, whether for encouragement, guidance, or support. This understanding sets the stage for its biblical usage, where the term embodies not only a role but also a deep relationship characterized by companionship and care.

Biblical Appearances of Parakletos

Parakletos appears primarily in the Gospel of John, specifically in chapters 14, 15, and 16. Here, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Parakletos, promising that He will come to guide, teach, and remind believers of His teachings. Let’s examine these passages to capture the full essence of Parakletos.

Parakletos in John 14:16-18

In John 14:16-18, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Parakletos), to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

In this verse, Parakletos emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role as a continuing presence of Christ. The use of “another” implies that while Jesus is physically leaving, He promises that the Holy Spirit will be a companion to believers, helping them navigate their spiritual journey.

Parakletos in John 15:26

In John 15:26, Jesus states, “But when the Helper (Parakletos) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Here, the emphasis is on the Parakletos as a witness. The Holy Spirit does not act independently but carries and communicates the essence of Christ’s message to the followers. The term signifies not just support, but advocacy—the Spirit stands up for Christians, ensuring they understand and live out the truth.

Parakletos in John 16:7

In John 16:7, Jesus declares, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (Parakletos) will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

This statement presents Parakletos as an essential part of the believer’s life, essential for spiritual growth and understanding. Jesus is explaining that the Holy Spirit’s coming is even better than His physical presence because it enables believers to receive guidance and support wherever they are.

The Role of Parakletos in the Life of Believers

Understanding Parakletos is crucial for recognizing the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in individual lives. Parakletos serves several functions:

Comforter

Parakletos embodies comfort. In moments of distress or hardship, believers can find solace in knowing they are not alone; the Holy Spirit is there, bringing peace to troubled hearts.

Counselor

As a counselor, the Parakletos provides wisdom and discernment. When faced with tough decisions or moral dilemmas, believers can turn to the Spirit for guidance, helping them to navigate life’s challenges according to God’s will.

Advocate

In the role of an advocate, Parakletos speaks on behalf of the believer both in prayer and in the spiritual realm. Romans 8:26 shares that the Spirit intercedes for us, translating our groans and intents to God when we are unable to articulate our needs.

Theological Implications of Parakletos

The implications of Parakletos stretch into deep theological discussions about the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. Here are a few aspects to consider:

God’s Immanence and Presence

The idea of Parakletos showcases God’s desire to be close to His people. He is not a distant deity; instead, He offers the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers, emphasizing God’s immanence and personal relationship with each person.

Empowerment for Ministry

Believers are empowered by Parakletos to carry out their mission in the world. With the Holy Spirit as a guide, Christians are called to live out their faith actively, sharing the message of Christ and representing Him in everyday encounters.

Confirmation of Identity

The concept of Parakletos also reinforces the identity of believers as God’s children. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is within them provides assurance and strength, helping them to realize their significance in the plan of God.

Closing Thoughts

The understanding of Parakletos in Greek offers profound insights into the nature of the Holy Spirit and the holistic support available to believers. It merges concepts of comfort, guidance, and advocacy into a single, powerful role that fundamentally shapes the Christian experience. Through the lens of Parakletos, believers are encouraged to see the Holy Spirit not just as a passive presence but as an active participant in their spiritual journey.

Common Questions Related to What Does Parakletos In Greek In Context Of The Bible

Q. What does Parakletos mean in English?
A. Parakletos translates to “helper,” “comforter,” or “advocate,” referring to someone who is called alongside to provide support.

Q. Where does Parakletos appear in the Bible?
A. The term primarily appears in the Gospel of John, especially in chapters 14, 15, and 16.

Q. Why is the Holy Spirit called Parakletos?
A. The Holy Spirit is called Parakletos to emphasize His role as a helper and advocate who guides and comforts believers.

Q. How does Parakletos serve as a comforter?
A. The Holy Spirit offers peace and solace during difficult times, reminding believers of God’s presence and love.

Q. What functions does the Parakletos perform according to Scripture?
A. The Parakletos functions as a comforter, counselor, and advocate in the lives of believers.

Q. How does the concept of Parakletos impact Christian life?
A. It reinforces God’s presence, empowers believers for ministry, and assures them of their identity as children of God.

Q. In what ways can believers experience the work of Parakletos?
A. Believers can experience the Holy Spirit’s guidance through prayer, worship, and studying Scripture.

Q. Does Parakletos also refer to Jesus in the Bible?
A. The term Parakletos is specifically associated with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is often referred to as the “Savior” or “Lord.”

Q. Why is Jesus’ promise of sending the Parakletos significant?
A. It signifies that believers will not be abandoned; they will continue to receive purpose, guidance, and companionship.

Q. Can anyone be considered a Parakletos?
A. While the term is specifically used for the Holy Spirit, believers are called to support one another in a similar manner by providing comfort and counsel.