Definition and Meaning:
Consolation refers to the comfort, solace, or encouragement given to someone who is experiencing grief, suffering, or distress. In the biblical context, consolation is often associated with the presence and promises of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the support of fellow believers.

Biblical References:

1. God as the Source of Consolation:
The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate source of consolation for His people. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Apostle Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." This passage highlights God's role as the provider of comfort and the expectation that believers will extend that comfort to others.

2. The Holy Spirit as the Comforter:
Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to them as a Comforter or Advocate. In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit's presence provides believers with ongoing consolation, guidance, and strength.

3. Consolation through Scripture:
The Scriptures themselves are a source of consolation for believers. Romans 15:4 states, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." The Word of God offers encouragement and hope, serving as a balm for the soul in times of distress.

4. Consolation in Community:
The early church exemplified the importance of community in providing consolation. Acts 9:31 describes how the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria "enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." The mutual support and encouragement among believers were vital for their spiritual growth and resilience.

5. Consolation in Suffering:
The Bible acknowledges that suffering is a part of the Christian experience, yet it also promises divine consolation amidst trials. In 2 Corinthians 1:5, Paul writes, "For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." This verse reassures believers that their sufferings are not in vain and that Christ's comfort is abundant.

6. Eternal Consolation:
The hope of eternal life is the ultimate consolation for believers. In 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, Paul prays, "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed." The promise of eternal life with God provides profound comfort and hope, transcending earthly troubles.

Theological Significance:

Consolation in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character and promises of God. It is not merely an emotional response but a profound assurance of God's presence and faithfulness. The concept of consolation underscores the relational aspect of faith, where believers are called to rely on God and support one another. Through the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and the community of faith, Christians find the strength to endure hardships and the hope of eternal joy.Consolation of Israel: A name for the Messiah in common use among the Jews, probably suggested by Isaiah 12:1; 49:13. The Greek word thus rendered (Luke 2:25, paraklesis) is kindred to that translated "Comforter" in John 14:16, etc., parakletos. (n.) The act of consoling; the state of being consoled; alleviation of misery or distress of mind; refreshment of spirit; comfort; that which consoles or comforts the spirit.CONSOLATION

kon-so-la'-shun (paraklesis): "Consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25), refers to the fulfillment of the promises in Isaiah 40:1. See COMFORT. "Son of consolation" (Acts 4:36 the King James Version and the American Revised Version, margin).

See BARNABAS.

3890. paramuthion -- exhortation, encouragement
... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: paramuthion Phonetic Spelling:
(par-am-oo'-thee-on) Short Definition: comfort, consolation Definition: comfort ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3890.htm - 7k

3931. paregoria -- exhortation, comfort
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paregoria Phonetic Spelling:
(par-ay-gor-ee'-ah) Short Definition: solace, consolation Definition: solace ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3931.htm - 7k

3874. paraklesis -- a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement ...
... encouragement, comfort Definition: a calling for, summons, hence: (a) exhortation,
(b) entreaty, (c) encouragement, joy, gladness, (d) consolation, comfort. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3874.htm - 8k

3889. paramuthia -- encouragement, exhortation, comfort
... paramuthia Phonetic Spelling: (par-am-oo-thee'-ah) Short Definition: encouragement,
comfort Definition: encouragement, comfort, consolation, exhortation. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3889.htm - 7k

3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage
... From para and kaleo; to call near, ie Invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation
or consolation) -- beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3870.htm - 10k

8575. tanchum -- consolation
... 8574, 8575. tanchum. 8576 . consolation. Transliteration: tanchum Phonetic
Spelling: (tan-khoom') Short Definition: consolation. ...
/hebrew/8575.htm - 6k

5165. nechamah -- comfort
... Word Origin from nacham Definition comfort NASB Word Usage comfort (1), consolation
(1). comfort. From nacham; consolation -- comfort. see HEBREW nacham. ...
/hebrew/5165.htm - 6k

4496. menuchah -- resting place, rest
... Or mnuchah {men-oo-khaw'}; feminine of Manowach; repose or (adverbially) peacefully;
figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an ...
/hebrew/4496.htm - 6k

5166. Nechemyah -- "Yah comforts," three Israelites
... NASB Word Usage Nehemiah (8). Nehemiah. From nacham and Yahh; consolation of Jah;
Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites -- Nehemiah. see HEBREW nacham. ...
/hebrew/5166.htm - 6k

5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself
... root Definition to be sorry, console oneself NASB Word Usage am sorry (1), appeased
(1), become a consolation (1), change mind (6), change minds (1), changed ...
/hebrew/5162.htm - 6k

5163. Nacham -- "comfort," a man of Judah
... 1). Naham. From nacham; consolation; Nacham, an Israelite -- Naham. see HEBREW
nacham. 5162, 5163. Nacham. 5164 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5163.htm - 6k

The Consolation of Philosophy
The Consolation of Philosophy. <. The Consolation of Philosophy Boethius.
Cooper, WV (Translator) Table of Contents. Title Page. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/boethius/the consolation of philosophy/

Song of Consolation.
... Songs of the Cross and Consolation. SONG OF CONSOLATION. Thou must not
altogether be O'ercome by sad vexation, God soon will cause ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/song of consolation.htm

The Consolation
... Sermon I The Consolation. The Consolation Isaiah 40:1, 2. Comfort ye, comfort
ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon i the consolation.htm

Consolation for Penitence.
... Repentance. CONSOLATION FOR PENITENCE. Let not such a thought e'er pain
thee, As that thou art cast away, But within God's word ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/consolation for penitence.htm

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of His Saints. ... And upon what subject
could I address you, which could be more full of consolation than the present? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

A Song of Christian Consolation and Joy.
... Songs of the Cross and Consolation. A SONG OF CHRISTIAN CONSOLATION AND
JOY. Is God for me? t'oppose me A thousand may uprise; When ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/a song of christian consolation.htm

Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings
... Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings. A Sermon (No.13). Delivered
on Sabbath Morning, March 11, 1855, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. ...
/.../consolation proportionate to spiritual sufferings.htm

Consolation. 11S.
... 368 Consolation. 11s. Heb.12:2. (866) Oh, eyes that are weary, and hearts
that are sore! Look off unto Jesus, now sorrow no more! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/368 consolation 11s.htm

Consolation. PM
... 501 Consolation. PM. The Death of a Child. There is no flock, however watched
and tended, But one dead lamb is there! There is no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/501 consolation p m.htm

Song of Consolation for Married Christians.
... Miscellaneous. SONG OF CONSOLATION FOR MARRIED CHRISTIANS. Oh, Jesus Christ!
how bright and fair The state of holy marriage where ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/song of consolation for married.htm

Consolation (23 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Consolation of Israel: A name for the Messiah in common
use among the Jews, probably suggested by Isaiah 12:1; 49:13. ...CONSOLATION. ...
/c/consolation.htm - 14k

Exhortation (16 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/e/exhortation.htm - 13k

Comfort (130 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Assistance; relief; support. 5. (n.) Encouragement; solace;
consolation in trouble; also, that which affords consolation. ...
/c/comfort.htm - 37k

Barnabas (33 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Son of consolation, the surname of Joses, a Levite
(Acts 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets ...
/b/barnabas.htm - 25k

Nahum (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Consolation, the seventh of the so-called minor prophets,
an Elkoshite. All we know of him is recorded in the book of his prophecies. ...
/n/nahum.htm - 21k

Receiving (72 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:24 "But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation. ... But,
now and here, he is receiving consolation and you are in agony. (WEY). ...
/r/receiving.htm - 28k

Effectual (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we ...
/e/effectual.htm - 11k

Bowels (40 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort
of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (KJV DBY ...
/b/bowels.htm - 20k

Consists (7 Occurrences)

/c/consists.htm - 8k

Effect (173 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we ...
/e/effect.htm - 40k

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