# comfort, comforter #

## Definition: ##

The terms "comfort" and "comforter" refer to helping someone who is suffering physical or emotional pain.

* A person who comforts someone is called a "comforter."
* In the Old Testament, the term "comfort" is used to describe how God is kind and loving to his people and helps them when they are suffering.
* In the New Testament, it says that God will comfort his people through the Holy Spirit. Those who receive the comfort are then enabled to give the same comfort to others who are suffering.
* The expression "comforter of Israel" referred to the Messiah who would come to rescue his people.
* Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" who helps believers in Jesus.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* Depending on the context, "comfort" could also be translated as, "ease the pain of" or "help (someone) overcome grief" or "encourage" or "console."
* A phrase such as "our comfort" could be translated as "our encouragement" or "our consoling of (someone)" or "our help in times of grieving."
* The term "comforter" could be translated as "person who comforts" or "someone who helps ease pain" or "person who encourages."
* When the Holy Spirit is called "the Comforter" this could also be translated as "the Encourager" or "the Helper" or "the One who helps and guides."
* The phrase "comforter of Israel" could be translated as, "the Messiah, who comforts Israel."
* An expression like, "they have no comforter" could also be translated as, "No one has comforted them" or "There is no one to encourage or help them."

(See also: [encourage](../other/encourage.md) **·** [holyspirit](../kt/holyspirit.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Thessalonians 05:8-11](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1th/05/08)
* [2 Corinthians 01:3-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2co/01/03)
* [2 Samuel 10:1-3](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2sa/10/01)
* [Acts 20:11-12](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/20/11)